Grief is an inevitable part of life. Whether you experience grief in moving away, ending a marriage, financial setbacks, or the loss of a loved one, we will all feel this deep sense of sorrow known as grief at some point in our lives. Although there is no universal way to grieve, especially in the context of the death of a loved one, it is essential for us to develop coping mechanisms to navigate grief in a healthier manner. 

At Mountain Vista Senior Living Community, we understand the profound impact of losing a loved one. That is why we have established a supportive environment where individuals can find comfort and support during times of grief. Led by our Spiritual Director, Cindy Pincus, we now offer monthly caregiver and grief support sessions right here at Mountain Vista. When experiencing the loss of a loved one, we may experience feelings of guilt, anger, loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Processing these emotions can be difficult at times when we are grieving, however we are here to remind you that you are not alone in your journey with grief. 

Each person’s path with grief is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve a loved one. Our aim for our monthly support sessions is to provide a safe space for individuals to express the emotions they are experiencing and receive companionship and guidance in return. For more information on our individual or group support sessions, please call (303) 421-4161 or email Cpincus@abhomes.org. 

Now that we have discussed some common experiences and feelings associated with grief, along with some of our own resources, we will now go into some of the steps that we can take to help us understand how we can cope with grief… 

Join a support group:  

• Joining a group where individuals share their personal experiences with grief can be incredibly validating and empowering.

• Monthly support groups are held at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community- lead by Spiritual Director, Cindy Pincus. 

Ask for help from your loved ones:  

• Grief can leave you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, and can make it difficult for you to complete everyday tasks. It is okay to ask for help from your loved ones during difficult times. 

Try journaling prompts to help you feel more control over your emotions:

• Journaling is a comforting way to process certain memories or thoughts about the person who has passed. It can also be used to track your journey with how you have coped. 

Reach out for professional help:  

• Grief counselors can help provide valuable emotional support and techniques for the pain of loss. 

• Professional help can help you to move forward through your grieving process and develop new perspectives. 

As you are going through your journey with grief, be gentle and patient with yourself. Remember that the process of grieving can look incredibly different for each person, and that you may experience different emotions multiple times before reaching a place of solace. If grief is disrupting your everyday abilities, seeking professional help may be something that may benefit you. Healing may take time, and it is important to seek support throughout this challenging time. Mountain Vista is here for you!