Grief is a natural, albeit painful, response to loss. Commonly, grief is associated with the death of a loved one. Studies indicate that over 80% of college students have experienced a significant death in their lifetime. In other words, if you have lost a loved one, you are not alone.
Despite this common association, the grief response is not limited to death. Grief can be experienced following other significant losses, including the end of a relationship, moving to a new community (leaving an old one behind), or missing out on an anticipated opportunity or goal. It is normal for us to engage the process of grieving in response to a numerous variety of life situations.
MyGrief
An app specifically designed to support individuals who have lost a loved one, as well as their family and friends. The app contains two main components. First, through a series of questions, the person is able to see how well they are managing their grief. With this information, specific support, guidance, and strategies are offered to enable the person to process their grief more effectively. The second component is designed to help people who are supporting the bereaved individual.
Calm
For those who are grieving, the stress they experience can negatively impact various areas of their lives. “Calm” is a highly-rated app designed to reduce stress, increase relaxation, and to improve the quality of sleep. Relying on a mindfulness-based approach, “Calm” offers numerous guides and lectures that can help an individual find stability and peace in the midst of their grieving process.
“When someone you love dies, there is no such thing as moving on”
Comedian and actress Kelley Lynn provides an intimate talk about how persons should never be expected or encouraged to “move on” from the death of a loved one. Her talk includes specific strategies for helping friends who are grieving, as well as encouragement for those who are trying to move through loss, not move on from it.
“The adventure of grief”
Dr. Geoff Warburton is a psychologist and writer with an expertise in loss. He describes the grieving process as an adventure to be embraced and engaged, and he asserts that the emotions associated with loss must be felt. By utilizing this therapeutic perspective, he asserts that grief can become the fuel needed to thrive.
Student Counseling & Psychological Services (SCPS)
SCPS provides brief, time-limited, and goal-oriented counseling and psychiatric services to the Auburn University student community. All services are free and confidential. Specific grief-related services include:
1.Grief Support Group: weekly gathering of 5-10 students aimed at providing emotional support for those who have lost a loved one.
2.Individual Counseling: 1-10 biweekly sessions which are supportive and solution-focused.
Office of Accessibility
Auburn University knows that the grief process can negatively impact a student’s ability to function academically. If you believe that you would benefit from academic accommodations or need to temporarily step away from your studies, contact the Office of Accessibility to speak with an accommodation specialist.