Bereavement

Grief is a completely natural response to loss. There is no right or wrong way to process the many feelings that surface at a time of loss. You may feel vulnerable, afraid, sad, confused, angry, hopeless, numb, or isolated. You may feel relief or release. Death can impact so many aspects of your life; you may find it harder to concentrate, eat, sleep, go to class, get out of bed, or even be around other people. You may feel like these feelings will never end.

When you are suffering emotionally life can seem hard to manage, especially when everyone around you seems to be happy and engaged in life. You may wonder if/how God fits into it all. Students tell us that when they are going through a time of grief it is helpful to speak with someone who understands how painful it is to lose someone. Campus Ministry is a safe and confidential space where you can talk about your loss and gain insight and perspective.

Joan Cavanagh, Ph.D. is a former hospital chaplain who has been trained in bereavement and has decades of experience working with people who are grieving. She and others in Campus Ministry offer you a safe and nurturing space to navigate through a time of grief.

Periodically Campus Ministry offers Bereavement Groups. These are confidential, non-judgmental, supportive spaces for students to talk about their loss with other students who have lost a loved one.

Please let us know how we can support you. We are here for you!