Health Topics

Find information on many health topics, listed A to Z.

Grief

Grief is the natural reaction to loss. It will be unique to you, depending on your own personality and circumstances.

April

Support Groups
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This six-week series on Thursdays from April 6 – May 11 is for adults to explore grief as a natural process, allowing participants to learn about the grief process and connect with others who are grieving the death of a loved one. Attend all sessions.

Register by April 5.

Masking is required. No food or drink is allowed in the conference room.

Community Education
Virtual

This six-week class is open to anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one and is grieving. Class activities can help relieve the physical, mental, social and spiritual symptoms of grief. Class combines the benefits of a grief support group: education, support, connection with others, with yoga practices for self-care: breathing practices, gentle movement and meditation. Participants will utilize the deeper tools of yoga to help create a safe space for grief and connect with their deepest selves in a compassionate way. The emphasis will not be on physical exercise (asana).

Kathy Bang, a retired hospice social worker, will teach the class.

Cost is reduced for Mayo Clinic employees and students of Mayo Clinic educational programs.

Register at least one week prior to the first class. Registered participants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting. Class size is limited.

Support Groups
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This in-person monthly gathering is for informal conversation, camaraderie and support for men after the death of a spouse or significant other.

Masking is required. No food or drink is allowed in the conference room.

Other Common Bonds Grief Support groups available include:

Support Groups
Virtual

This virtual monthly gathering on Zoom is for informal conversation, camaraderie and support for women after the death of a spouse or significant other.

You will receive the Zoom link after registering.

Other Common Bonds Grief Support groups available include:

Support Groups
Fairmont, MN In Person

This group is for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. Participants will meet once weekly to share stories, explore the process of grief and healing, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. Hospice Department staff host these groups.

This group is limited to 10 participants. Call for more information or to register by April 10.

Support Groups
Virtual

This virtual monthly gathering on Zoom is for informal conversation, camaraderie and support for men after the death of a spouse or significant other.

You will receive the Zoom link after registering.

Other Common Bonds Grief Support groups available include:

Support Groups
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This in-person monthly gathering is for informal conversation, camaraderie and support for women after the death of a spouse or significant other.

Masking is required. No food or drink is allowed in the conference room.

Other Common Bonds Grief Support groups available include:

May

Support Groups
La Crosse, WI Virtual
This six-week virtual series from May 2–June 6 is for adults to explore grief as a natural process. Participants will learn about the grief process and connect with others who are grieving the death of a loved one. Plan to attend all sessions. Registration is required.

From The Blog

Grief and loss throughout the holiday season

The holidays can be a time of joy and also a time of grief for lost loved ones. Understanding how grief affects you can help provide a sense of empowerment to navigate the holiday season.

November 28, 2022

The space between grief and growth

Growth isn't easy, requiring pain along with joy. Discover why working through grief brings the opportunity to experience healing, peace and growth.

Jennifer Larson LaRue By Jennifer Larson LaRue November 23, 2022

Offering support to the grieving

Feelings of traumatic grief are complex and challenging, with emotional and physical reactions. This Q&A will help you support someone who is grieving, by understanding the nuances of grief.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf October 31, 2022

Cal lives on through books for grieving parents, families

Cal Sharpsteen was stillborn at 38 weeks, but he lives on through "Cal's Corner," a cart filled with books donated by his parents for other grieving families who have lost a child.

June 10, 2022

Grief during the holidays: Finding hope

The holiday season can be one of the most difficult times of the year when you have experienced the death of a loved one. Get tips for working through your grief and instructions on how to make a keepsake ornament.

December 1, 2021

Seeking support when grieving

Grief often means change and loss for the way things were. If you have experienced the death of a loved one, this is the hardest kind of grief and change to work through.

August 20, 2019

The nature of grief: Lessons in loss and life

In the past several years, my family and I have watched many changes take place in our neighborhood. Most significantly, the road outside our house needed to be replaced. With the death of a loved one, we often face a similar change in landscape.

June 9, 2017

Art to heal the human heart

Time can be hard to measure. We often measure our lives in the tasks and accomplishments of everyday life — a pace of business, providing us with momentum and a feeling of control. In between the noise of the day, quiet moments remind us of those we love and what we have lost.

September 28, 2016

What is normal when I'm grieving?

Grief is a normal process of adapting that everyone moves through differently. There's no right or wrong way to do it. Know what's normal and when to get help.

June 30, 2016

Grief during the holidays

During the holiday season, it's important to recognize this can be a difficult time for those who have experienced loss in the recent months or years. Learn how to cope with the grief.

December 18, 2015