Grief and Loss

Grief is the response to a loss, particularly to the loss of someone or some living thing that has died, to which a bond or affection was formed. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, grief also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, cultural, spiritual, and philosophical dimensions. Wikipedia

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Grief always is a factor of life. Currently, many of us are experiencing grief more often.

The resources below mainly address the death of a person. However, they also might apply to other circumstances such as the loss of health or ability, death of a pet, coping with a natural disaster, the ending of a meaningful relationship, or our current loss of "normalcy."

If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, the Wellness Center is here for you.

Additional resources (click on the name to be directed to their sites):

  • Hospice of SLO: local, county-wide no-cost grief counseling and services for people of all ages

  • Wilshire Hospice: local and national; offer a variety of grief and end-of-life services

  • The Dougy Center: National Grief Center for Children & Families, including COVID-19 related resources

  • Grief Speaks: Resources on all types of grief for people of all ages

  • Central Coast HOTLINE: (800) 783-0607 24/7 support

  • Crisis text line: text HOME to 741-741

  • TrevorCares: call: 1-866-488-7386; text START to 678-678

The video below provides helpful information regarding grief and loss. Click here to access the video.

AHS Wellness Center Vid.mp4

Below is information that helps explains what many teens experience when grieving. Remember, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve! Everyone's grief experience is unique.

Sometimes other people mean well, but just aren't very helpful. This information provides some insight...

Below is information about living with grief and some activities that might help.

For adults and teens: suggestions on how to help friends or loved ones who are grieving...

Top 10 List for Helping Grieving Children and Teens.pdf

For those impacted by suicide...

Things You Would Suggest to the Family Members of Teens Whose Friend Died by Suicide.pdf
Helpful Suggestions for Teens Whose Friend has Died by Suicide.pdf