SANTA BARBARA — Coping with the death of a spouse, family member or close friend is difficult but even more challenging is processing through your grief while feeling like you have to deal with it in the stereotypical way men do – often by “toughening up” and not showing emotion.
No one should ever feel alone, which is why Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is inviting men to join other men in the search for meaning and expression in the aftermath of their loss.
Led by Hospice Spiritual Care Counselor Nelson Hayashida, men can join the six-week long Men’s Grief and Spirituality support group, which will be held each Saturday through October 21.
The group will give participants a safe, welcoming environment to work through the grief in their lives. Members will hear others share their own similar experiences and will support each other as they progress towards healing.
“It is important that we men realize that it’s okay to grieve,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “It’s a common misconception that men shouldn’t express their grief because it’s perceived as weak. But in reality, mourning is normal and processing grief makes us stronger.”
Though each person’s grieving experience is different, it often progresses through stages such as anger, sadness, denial, anxiety, depression and acceptance. Mourning a loss can help one heal from a personal tragedy and while one may never stop grieving entirely, it can allow one to grow and learn from it.
The Men’s Grief and Spirituality support group requires registration prior to first session; no drop-ins please. To register, contact the intake coordinator at (805) 563-3320 ext. 110. All groups are free of charge and donations are gratefully accepted.
Hospice of Santa Barbara provides professional counseling, support groups, and patient care services free of charge to individuals and families who are grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing the impact of a serious illness. Hospice of Santa Barbara is also present on six local high school campuses to work with children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call (805) 563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.