My older brother passed away in 2016. My grieving process was definitely filled with denial, anger, depression, and later on acceptance. It was definitely an overwhelming process for me. I believe being able to talk about someone who has passed away and was special to you is a good way to a path of acceptance.
I had the opportunity to have group therapy last year. This was online group therapy. There were about 9 people and the therapist present. We were all able to see each other through webcams and have our microphones on. One week we had a session on grief. We were actually told a week before what the session would be about and I was a bit nervous, but actually excited to talk about my brother. I also felt a bit less nervous because I was in the comfort of my own home, instead of being at an actual facility.
I wanted to talk about how he passed away, when, and how I experienced my grieving process. I remember I was the first one to start talking. I did not think I was going to cry, but I choked midway. The therapist told me I can take a break that I don’t have to continue sharing. Having this therapy in a group session was nice/beneficial because I felt support from others. I did continue to share a bit more about my brother because I felt like I needed to let it out. I thought, “where else or who else will just want to hear about this?”
I know some people in the group weren’t fully on listening but I wanted to hear myself talk about my brother and feel like he is still here. I remember seeing other group members tearing up or crying which gave me more of a push to continue talking because maybe they have had a similar experience and they need to hear about mine. A couple of other people shared their grief and I actually connected with someone due to having similar experiences after our loved ones passed away.
At the end of the therapy session the therapist gave us an activity. We were to write a letter to the person that has passed away, draw something for them, and then put it in an envelope, and keep it. Till this day I have it. There are days where I actually read it and feel like he is listening to me read it to him. I honestly loved this activity and hope it helps anyone who reads this.