Church to host grief share support group in Umtentweni
It will run by Charlie and Elmarie Holtzkamp.
Lewende Woord Hibiscus church in Umtentweni is hosting Grief Share, a grief support group every Thursday from 10:00 to 12:00.
It will run by Charlie and Elmarie Holtzkamp. Charlie explained that grief is a natural response to loss.
“It is how people react when something important is taken away. Grief can affect feelings, thoughts, the body, relationships, and beliefs. Everyone experiences grief in their own way,” he said.
He said grief is a time of adjustment, learning how to live after a loss.
“The loss is not forgotten, but the person slowly learns how to cope and move forward. There is no set time for grieving. Some people take longer than others, and that is normal.”
Charlie elaborated on the the types of loss that can cause grief.
People can feel grief after any important loss, not only death.
These losses may include:
• Death of a family member (of which the loss of a child may be the worse form of loss) or friend.
• A breakup, divorce, or loss of a friendship.
• Long-term or serious illness (such as living with a disability or chronic illness)
• Loss of identity (such as losing a job or going on retirement)
• Moving to a new place and leaving familiar people or surroundings.
• Loss of a baby during pregnancy.
• Knowing that someone will die soon because of terminal illness. Or “losing” to dementia or Alzheimer disease.
• Loss of a pet.
• Community or social loss. Disaster, such as the recent floods and fires, or an accident like the one in Vanderbijlpark recently where 14 children died.
All these losses can make people feel sad, confused, angry, or lonely.
“There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grief does not follow a set order or steps. It is not a programme that can be finished,” said Charlie.
“Grief is a process, and feelings may come and go. A person may feel better one day and worse the next. This is a normal part of grieving. Grief is a normal and personal response to loss. Understanding that everyone grieves differently helps us be patient and kind to ourselves and others. Support, time, and understanding can help people adjust after a loss.”
For more info, contact 078 821 9144.
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