Grief

“Loss is an inevitable part of life, and grief is a natural part of the healing process. The reasons for grief are many, such as the loss of a loved one, the loss of health, or the letting go of a long-held dream. Dealing with a significant loss can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life." (University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center, 2015)  

The resources below give more information on Grief--what it is, signs and symptoms, the many potential causes, and steps you can take to grieve in a healthy manner.

RESOURCES

Gonzaga's Student Bereavement Policy: Click on the link to learn about the steps to take when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Gonzaga staff and faculty are here to help students through difficult times, and processes are in place to provide flexibility in academic policies. 

Gonzaga Health & Counseling Services, Grief Support Group: Click on the link to learn more about the Gonzaga Counseling Center. Students can reach out directly to learn about their Grief Support Group which is offered each semester for students enrolled in an on-campus degree-seeking program at GU. This purpose of this group is to provide “opportunities for learning and coping with the loss of a loved one.” 

Hotlines That Can Help: There are several local and national crisis hotlines that can help you 24 hours a day.  Learn more in this resource with specific hotlines numbers (including texting options).

Managing Grief: A simple handout to use when in moments of grief. 

Mental Health Screening: Sometimes we struggle to move past our grief, and it can become something more.  This is a brief, anonymous, and confidential screening that helps you determine if you should connect with a mental health professional.  Immediately following the brief questionnaire, you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources.

Podcast: Meditation Oasis: Over 60 episodes of guided meditation focusing on various topics. Specifically, the link leads to the following: “Guided Meditation for Grief."

Tip Sheet: Grief and Loss: When we lose someone close to us, we go through a process of grieving and mourning. When the loss is sudden or tragic, that process can be made even more difficult. As we go through the grieving process, it important to recognize it and know the ways to best help yourself get through it.

Tip Sheet: When a Classmate Dies: Losing a member of our Gonzaga student community is never easy.  This resource may help you better understand and process the loss of a fellow Zag.

YouTube: Brene Brown on Empathy: What is the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering? In this beautifully animated short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities.

YouTube: Dr Alfiee's Vision June 3, 2020: Black Mental Health Matters Now, More Than Ever: Listen to psychologist, Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble briefly discuss “coping with the grief and anger following the death of George Floyd, and the ongoing racism re-exposed across America.”

YouTube: Guided Spoken Meditation for for healing after a loss of a loved one: A healing guided meditation to help you with the grieving process over the loss of a loved one.

In addition to the resources above that specifically focus on individuals, we have included Gonzaga specific resources below when supporting a friend who may be grieving.

  • GU Health & Counseling Services: Health & Counseling Services functions as your private physician's office and counseling center. Learn more about the services available through this office.

  • Helping a Fellow Zag: When we’re having a hard time, the first place most of us turn is to family and friends.  If you have friends who have come to you for help, we've got tips to help you with those conversations.

APPS

Headspace: Meditation made simple. Guided meditations suitable for all levels from Headspace. Meditation can help improve your focus, exercise mindful awareness, relieve anxiety and reduce stress. Free on Android and iTunes.

Grief Support Network: Social networking app connecting and supporting people who have grieved.  Includes Walls to post messages, chat features, and information about grief health and grief attacks.  Also includes videos, photos, and activities to help you process when feeling overwhelmed by grief.

Virtual Hope Box: Contains simple tools to help with coping, relaxation, distraction, and positive thinking.  Users can include family photos, videos and recorded messages from loved ones, inspirational quotes, music they find soothing, and positive life experiences. Free on Android and iTunes.