As much as we would prefer, the sadness and mourning associated with death doesn’t end at the funeral home. That’s why funeral homes in Oakland, CA and beyond usually offer resources and guidance for extra grief support. From connections to online support groups and resources to in-house counseling, funeral homes offer a range of grief services.

The following is a list of online resources for coping with bereavement and grief to give you additional grief support you can seek on your own if you need it. This list includes convenient online support like professional counselors, community sites, and bloggers you can access from home at any time.

1. Light A Candle: This website has a page where people can “light” a digital candle in honor of their lost loved one. You can attach a name, date or photo to the candle, too.
2. Resources for Survivors of Suicide: This group emphasizes that you are not alone when you lose a loved one through suicide. They offer different tools, interactive online supports and more.
3. National Child Traumatic Stress Network: The NCTSN helps support kids who have gone through trauma from death of a loved one to injuries. They strive to reinforce stability and healing.
4. The Grief Recovery Method: The Grief Recovery Method is a website developed by the Grief Recovery Institute. It has lots of valuable grief information, and been a leading resource for 30 years.
5. National Center for Victims of Crime: This organization voices and supports abuse and crime survivors. They have a broad focus, but offer help to a wide variety of victims and surviving family.
6. Association of Death Education and Counseling: ADEC has over 2,000 members, including physical and mental health professionals, educators, funeral directors, and clergymen. They host grief conferences, workshop and seminars frequently.
7. Open to Hope: Open to Hope is a non-profit that helps people find hope again after a loss. They offer community support, articles, books, and more to help people work through their loss and start to love meaningful and happy lives while working through their grief.
8. The Sweeney Alliance: Founded by Peggy Sweeney, this non-profit offers a range of programs for adults and children who’ve suffered a loss. Check out their regular newsletters and online resources.
9. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Inc: TAPS specifically serves families who’ve lost a member of the military through peer-based support.

Getting support for your grief is never a bad thing. Rather than feeling shame, feel pride in the strength it takes to realize you need help and seek that help.

If you want to learn more about grief support resources like these, or have additional questions about Oakland, CA funeral homes and their services, Deer Creek Funeral Service can help. You can stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890. We would be happy to help you in any way we can.