Grief Support
Losing someone you love or care deeply about is very painful. You may experience a variety of difficult emotions, and it’s sometimes hard to imagine that the anger and sadness you feel will ever fade. It’s important to remember that grief is a natural and normal reaction to a significant loss, and that you’re not alone.
Reach out to your support network through family and friends, and don’t be afraid to lean on the people who care about you. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain that, in time, can allow you to heal and resume your regular routines.
A few things to remember as you begin to recover from a loss:
- Each of us experiences grief differently, depending on our coping style and life experiences.
- The healing process happens gradually, and can’t be rushed or ignored.
- It’s okay to cry…but it’s also okay if you find that you can’t. Crying is a normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one.
- There’s no set time frame for grieving, and different individuals may take different amounts of time to heal.
- Allow yourself to face your feelings and express them. Try talking to a trusted friend or spiritual leader, joining a support group, or writing about your loss in a journal.
- The mind and body are deeply connect. Though it may be hard at first, remember to take care of yourself physically so that you can allow yourself to begin to recover emotionally.
- It’s always okay to seek professional help when you need to.
The following are some tools available to assist you in your healing journey. Contact us to discuss other resources and find a personalized solution to support you on the road to recovery.
Support After a Loss
Circle of Friends+ provides you with resources on grief support and settling affairs, sent to you via text and email.
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Grief & Healing Websites
GriefShare
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
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Web Healing
Web Healing offers grief discussion boards where you can talk with others who are grieving or browse recommended books on grief.
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AARP
With AARP you’ll find articles, discussions, and helpful information on dealing with end-of-life care, the challenges faced by caregivers, and how to deal with grief after a loss.
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Illinois Valley Community Hospital
At Illinois Valley Hospice, bereavement care is an integral part of our plan of care for families both before and after the passing of a loved one. The bereavement program at Illinois Valley Hospice is available to help individuals through their healing process.
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OSF Healthcare Grief Counseling & Support
The OSF Hospice pastoral care and bereavement services offer patients and their families companionship and true understanding of their experience. Individual grief counseling and/or support groups can nurture courage and strength.
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St. Margaret’s Hospital Support Group
St. Margaret’s support groups offer that listening ear. Share your story, meet with people in similar situations, or learn how to cope.
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One-on-One Counseling and Other Grief Support Options
Contact your local hospital or hospice agency for recommendations:
Compassus Hospice
(815) 220-1390
Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH)
(815) 223-3300
IVCH Counseling Clinic
(815) 780-3696
Illinois Valley Hospice
(815) 224-1307
OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center
(815) 433-3100
OSF Hospice
(815) 433-6090
St. Margaret’s Hospital (SMH)
(815) 664-5311
St. Margaret’s Hospice
(815) 664-1132
VITAS Hospice
(815) 220-0021
Area Support Groups
Grief Support Group at IVCH
Phone: (815) 780-3426
Contact: Chaplain Ray Fischer
Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month 6:30 PM
at IVCH in Conference Room C
Adult Grief Support Group at SMH
Phone: (815) 664-1402
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM or 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
at SMH
Compassionate Friends
Phone: (815) 223-7663
Contact: Rita Studzinski
For those who have lost a child of any age.
Open to parents, grandparents and siblings.
Meets 4th Thursday of every month, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
at IVCH, 1305 Sixth Street, Peru
Children's Grief Support Group at SMH
Phone: (815) 664-1402
Children’s peer support group
for those who’ve experienced death, divorce and loss.
Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, at SMH
Children & Grief
When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to help kids cope with the loss, particularly as you work through your own grief. By being open and honest, encouraging communication, and sharing your own feelings, you and your children can cope with painful times and begin your healing journey together.
The following links provide more detailed information on topics related to helping children and teens cope with loss.
When Families Grieve™
This guide was created by Sesame Workshop, the educational organization behind Sesame Street. It explores children's understanding of death and offers information about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss.
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Helpful Children's Books
This list from Allina Health recommends children’s books that deal with death and grief. There are suggestions for children of all ages, from preschool to age 12. They also have books for different types of losses, such as the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or pet. With these books, you can start a meaningful conversation with your child and help them understand their feelings
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More Advice
Here you'll find a Huffington Post article by Judith Acosta containing advice and guidance from her book Verbal First Aid, which counsels parents on ways to help kids heal from fear and pain in a variety of situations, including the death of a loved one. If you find the advice in the article helpful, you may want to read her book for even more insight.
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