Grief/Loss
There is no one right way to grieve and there are very few wrong ways. The following books, websites, and support groups can help you process the loss of a loved one as well as understand ways to support others.
Books
On Death & Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Kubler-Ross wrote this classic book to explain in detail the grief process. It describes the grief process, highlights special consideration, and suggests ways of healing as well as ways of giving support. She explores grieving after death as well as when death is predicted by an illness. Additional helpful books by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross that I highly recommend include:
o On Grief & Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief through the Five Stages of Loss
o On Life after Death
Life after Loss: A Practical Guide to Renewing your Life after Experiencing Major Loss by Bob Deits
While Kubler-Ross’ book is a classic, Deits’ book is an essential. The book is both insightful and practical with highlight comments sprinkled throughout, which is especially helpful during those times where grief compromises the ability to concentrate.
The Mourning Handbook by Helen Fitzgerald
Similar to Kubler-Ross’ books, Fitzgerald provides a practical guide that explores the many elements that contribute to and sometimes complicate the grief process.
How to Survive the Loss of a Love by Peter McWilliams, Harold H. Bloomfield, & Melba Colgrove
Expanding the understanding of loss from death to other types of “obvious” and “not-so-obvious” losses, the author describes the various experience people undergo when they experience a loss. It is especially helpful if are looking for a book to which you can relate.
Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert, Chuck DeKlyen, & Taylor Bills
As an illustrated book that emphasizes the importance of gradually expressing grief on a regular basis, Tear Soup is great for people of all ages.
Websites
· Caring Connections (general)
· Recover-From-Grief (general)
· Compassionate Friends (for those who have lost a child)
· Bereaved Parents USA (for those who have lost a child)
· Candlelighters (for those who have a child with cancer and/or have lost a child to cancer)
· Sibling Connection (for children who have lost a sibling)
· San Diego Hospice
Brochures (a selection from Caring Connections)
· If You or Someone You Love is Very Ill, Ask Tough Questions
· Supporting Someone Who is Grieving
· There is No Right or Wrong Way to Grieve after a Loss
· When a Child Dies: A Guide for Family and Friends
· Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One
To look at additional brochures that might be helpful to you or a grieving loved one, please visit the Caring Connections website.
Support Groups
Compassionate Friends
For those who have lost a child
San Diego/La Jolla Chapter
Meet 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm
Scripps Mende Well Being Center at University Towne Center
4305 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
Email contact: leaders@sdtcf.org
Phone contact: 619-583-1555
Bereaved Parents USA
For those who have lost a child
San Diego North Inland Chapter
Meets 4th Thursday of the month (except November & December when they meet 3rd Thursday) at 6:45pm
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (conference room in upper parking lot)
16275 Pomerado Rd
Poway, CA 92064
Contact: Kathleen Stark (chapter leader)
Email: bereavedparentusa@yahoo.com
Phone: 858-966-8400
Books
On Death & Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Kubler-Ross wrote this classic book to explain in detail the grief process. It describes the grief process, highlights special consideration, and suggests ways of healing as well as ways of giving support. She explores grieving after death as well as when death is predicted by an illness. Additional helpful books by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross that I highly recommend include:
o On Grief & Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief through the Five Stages of Loss
o On Life after Death
Life after Loss: A Practical Guide to Renewing your Life after Experiencing Major Loss by Bob Deits
While Kubler-Ross’ book is a classic, Deits’ book is an essential. The book is both insightful and practical with highlight comments sprinkled throughout, which is especially helpful during those times where grief compromises the ability to concentrate.
The Mourning Handbook by Helen Fitzgerald
Similar to Kubler-Ross’ books, Fitzgerald provides a practical guide that explores the many elements that contribute to and sometimes complicate the grief process.
How to Survive the Loss of a Love by Peter McWilliams, Harold H. Bloomfield, & Melba Colgrove
Expanding the understanding of loss from death to other types of “obvious” and “not-so-obvious” losses, the author describes the various experience people undergo when they experience a loss. It is especially helpful if are looking for a book to which you can relate.
Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert, Chuck DeKlyen, & Taylor Bills
As an illustrated book that emphasizes the importance of gradually expressing grief on a regular basis, Tear Soup is great for people of all ages.
Websites
· Caring Connections (general)
· Recover-From-Grief (general)
· Compassionate Friends (for those who have lost a child)
· Bereaved Parents USA (for those who have lost a child)
· Candlelighters (for those who have a child with cancer and/or have lost a child to cancer)
· Sibling Connection (for children who have lost a sibling)
· San Diego Hospice
Brochures (a selection from Caring Connections)
· If You or Someone You Love is Very Ill, Ask Tough Questions
· Supporting Someone Who is Grieving
· There is No Right or Wrong Way to Grieve after a Loss
· When a Child Dies: A Guide for Family and Friends
· Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One
To look at additional brochures that might be helpful to you or a grieving loved one, please visit the Caring Connections website.
Support Groups
Compassionate Friends
For those who have lost a child
San Diego/La Jolla Chapter
Meet 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm
Scripps Mende Well Being Center at University Towne Center
4305 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
Email contact: leaders@sdtcf.org
Phone contact: 619-583-1555
Bereaved Parents USA
For those who have lost a child
San Diego North Inland Chapter
Meets 4th Thursday of the month (except November & December when they meet 3rd Thursday) at 6:45pm
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (conference room in upper parking lot)
16275 Pomerado Rd
Poway, CA 92064
Contact: Kathleen Stark (chapter leader)
Email: bereavedparentusa@yahoo.com
Phone: 858-966-8400