Services

Participating in programs following a death can be a difficult decision to make but connecting with other individuals and families who have experienced a similar loss may be worth trying. We are probably most well known for our peer support group program, but we have expanded our services to include grief groups in schools, crisis support, outreach and education, camp programs and much more. We provide these services at no cost. To learn more about our services and/or to register for a Fernside support group, contact us at the office.

Feature of the Quarter

Teen Grief

Anna Freud said “to be normal during the adolescent period is in itself abnormal.” The teenage years can be a time of growth, change and accomplishment. Establishing emotional separation, achieving competency, mastering tasks and developing intimacy in relationships are normal developmental tasks during these years. This can be challenged when a teen experiences a death. Not only might they express feelings of shock, anger and guilt, they may take risks or hide their feelings to protect other family members.

After a death, it’s important to help teens reinvest in themselves and in their future. At Fernside, we work hard to reach our teens. We discuss things like what they worry about since their parent died, how things have changed at home since the death of their brother or sister and what holidays are like since the death. When we asked a group of teens when they miss the person who died the most, they said - On weekends, when Mom makes chili and at swim meets. When they were asked if they had any special belonging of the person who died, they said – His shirts, their jewelry and his cup.