Support groups have been helpful to me on many levels. There’s just something about meeting and connecting with others experiencing something like you that makes you feel understood and accepted.
If you’re not sure how to find a support group, I suggest you look to your church/pastor first. Then, feel free to check these out as well. (Here’s a thought, too: You can always start a group! Or meet with one person for coffee. You never know what God will do!)
One last note. I highly recommend in person support groups if possible. There’s just something about it that is more intimate and leaves me feeling like we’re all sharing the pain and working together to process it. In my head, I know that a virtual group is the same, yet, from my own experience, I feel more connected to my in person group.
You can always use your internet search engine (Google, etc..) to find more. I just caution you that if you’re looking for scripturally based resources, you need to enter that in your search request too. For example: Bible based support groups for dealing with loneliness.
I have written about my #1 grief support group recommendation here: The Question I Always Get Asked & the Thing I Always Recommend
In person group meetings. Search by zip code:
In person and online meetings:
- Starlight Ministry Resources Starlight Ministries’ tag line is “Where hope outshines grief” and they live up to the name. I highly recommend their free downloadable grief resource. It is a manual for understanding grief with helpful guides and resources, including a whole section at the back with online support services. It is an outstanding resource and free for bereaved people of any loss as well as friends who want to help but don’t know how.
- The Oak Health Foundation is dedicated to offering care, education, and resources that integrate the best practices of mental healthcare with the gospel. One of their standout programs is the Renew & Revive Support Group. This spiritual support program takes an integrative approach to improving mental health in a supportive and safe environment. Each week, their Zoom sessions cover various mental health topics, such as depression and anxiety, all discussed through the lens of the gospel. These sessions foster empathy, support, and understanding, and conclude with an invitation for participants to share their prayer requests. The sessions are free and open to the public, held every Wednesday from 7:30 – 8:30 PM via Zoom. For more details, please visit their R&R sessions page.
- GrievingParents.net
- Grief Speaks Facebook Group
- May We All Heal Facebook Group
- After Chloe Facebook Group
Other ministries with hope and healing focus, not just grief:
This is part of the Free Source of Hope Series:
Free (or Cheap) Source of Hope: Videos & Movies
Free Source of Hope: Blogs & Newsletters
Free Source of Hope: Bible App Plans
Free Source of Hope: Support Groups
Free Source of Hope: GodPrints YouTube Channel
Free Source of Hope: The Bible
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