The physical effects of grief can include sleeplessness, excessive fatigue, headaches, general malaise, intestinal upsets, and dizziness. During periods of extreme stress such as grief, it is crucial that you try to eat regularly and to rest, since stress can suppress your immune system, making you more prone to illness.
Your grief reaction and subsequent recovery can depend on the quality of your relationship to the deceased, your capacity to handle stress, and the type of support network that you have. If your relationship was strained or you have never experienced the loss of a loved one, your grief may be overwhelming.
Do not be afraid to seek the support of friends and family. They will want to help but might not be sure how. All too often, those who are grieving keep their feelings to themselves and feel that others will be able to anticipate their needs. As difficult as it may seem, it may be necessary for you to take the initiative.
Talk to your local funeral director. Funeral directors are listeners, advisors, and supporters. They assist those who are grieving every day. Many funeral homes offer aftercare programs, which are programs designed to help you through the initial stages of grief.
Your funeral director can also recommend local support groups and reading materials that can help you understand and cope with your grief. Even if you weren't directly involved with the funeral arrangements, you can contact your local funeral home. Family funeral homes are committed to the communities they serve and willingly help those in need.
| Valley Hospice Bereavement Support Livelines Offered Spring & Fall of each year, once a week for six consecutive weeks Contact: Valley Hospice Telephone: 304-242-1977 | Survivors of Suicide Time: 7:30p.m. Date: 2nd Thursday of each month Place: Northwood Health Systems Contact: Emma Wilkins Telephone: 304-277-3738 |
|
| Share of Upper Ohio Valley Pregnancy & Infant Loss Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Date: 1st & 3rd Monday each month Place: Wheeling Jesuit College Chapel Seminar Room Contact: Evelyn Long Telephone: 304-242-1916 | Wheeling Hospital Bereavement Support Group (Five week sessions that are offered at various times throughout the year) Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Place: Howard Long Wellness Center Contact: Lynn Hetzell Telephone: 304-243-3738 |
|
| Compassionate Friends Support Group for Parents of Deceased Children Time: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. 4th Sunday of ea. Month Place: St. Margaret's Catholic Church Greentree , PA (in school cafeteria) Contact: Maureen Welch Telephone: 412-835-1105 | St. Michael's Support Group Time: 7:00 p.m. Date: 1st & 3rd Monday of month Place: St. Michael's Rectory 1225 National Road , Wheeling , WV Contact: Fred Fise Telephone: 304-233-8571 |
|
| Evergreen Support Group Contact: Darla Matheny Telephone: 304-845-2445 | Trinity Medical Center West Grief Support Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM Also 6 week sessions throughout the year. Call Sr. Maria Consuelo, Pastoral Care Coordinator at 740-283-7749 or 740-264-8130 |
| Bodnar & Son Florist & Greenhouse Rayland, OH 740-859-2151 | Laupp Florist Wheeling , WV 304-232-4750 |
|
| Jack's Floral, Gift & Garden St. Clairsville , OH 740-695-1223 | Martins Ferry Flower Shop Martins Ferry, OH 740-635-2051 |
|
| Ponzani Florist St. Clairsville, OH 740-695-2204 | Rhodes Florist Bridgeport , OH 740-635-0512 |
|
| Bud's Bloomers Flower Shop St. Clairsvile , OH 740-695-0163 | Wheeling Flower Shop Wheeling , WV 304-233-3320 800-528-5177 Visit Website |
|
| Novak's Gardenscapes Wintersville, OH 740-266-9105 | Murphy's Florist Mingo Junction, OH 740-535-1586 |
| Days Inn-West 52601 Holiday Drive St. Clairsville , OH 43950 740-695-0100 | Country Inn & Suites of St. Clairsville 67731 Mall Road St. Clairsville , OH 43950 740-695-4980 |
|
| Hampton Inn 795 National Road Wheeling , WV 26003 740-233-0440 800-426-7866 | Hampton Inn 51130 National Road St. Clairsville , OH 43950 740-695-3961 800-426-7866 |
|
| Econo Lodge 51659 National Road St. Clairsville , OH 43950 740-695-0887 | Holiday Inn Express 51654 National Road St. Clairsville , OH 43950 740-695-0010 |
|
| Red Roof Inn Mall Road St. Clairsville , OH 43950 740-695-4057 | Ramada Plaza City Center Hotel 1200 Market Street Wheeling , WV 26003 304-232-0300 |
|
| Best Western Wheeling Inn 10th and Main Street Wheeling , WV 26003 304-233-8500 | Super 8 Motel 68400 Matthews Drive St. Clairsville , OH 43950 740-695-1994 |
|
| Holiday Inn Att Weirton 350 Three Springs Drive Weirton , WV 304-723-5522 | Holiday Inn-Steubenville 1401 University Blvd Steubenville , OH 740-282-0901 |
