By Regina Molaro
After losing a loved one, feelings of grief and sadness can be overwhelming and debilitating. That sense of darkness often eclipses any light or joy and the emotional pain can impact physical health, robbing those grieving of sleep, appetite and well-being. Regardless of the type of loss you’re experiencing, it’s important to know that support is available.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends a number of ways those impacted by loss can find help, including leaning on others, honoring loved ones with a tribute and getting professional help from a counselor.
“Grief is unique and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It’s important that we check in with ourselves and with the person we are supporting and give space for all emotions to surface,” said Rebecca Colson, MA, NCC, Adjunct Therapy supervisor, Behavioral Health Services at Monmouth Medical Center, who facilitates a bereavement support group. “Sometimes the hardest part is naming how we feel. When we name what we’re experiencing, we’re better equipped to manage our experiences.”
Help is Within Reach
Held on the third Wednesday of every month, RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Healthcare offers its support group at the LiveWell Center at 200 Wyckoff Rd, Suite 1200 in Eatontown. The session, which runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., lets attendees share experiences, practical information and resources while inspiring and supporting others in a group setting. For more information, call 732-923-6917.
Stephy’s Place, a support center for grief and loss, invites those who are grieving to come to its Red Bank center. The charitable organization was founded in 2015 by Sheila Martello who lost her husband Jimmy on Sept. 11, 2001.
The New Life Support Group at Stephy’s Place was established to help the many people in Monmouth County affected by 9/11. “That group was a lifesaver because it helped me to sit with others who ‘got it.’ It gave me hope,” said Martello.
Silver Lining
More than a decade after experiencing her own loss, Martello’s sons were heading off to college and she was seeking new opportunities. After meeting Stephy Hardman Kaminoff, a Middletown mother who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Martello became inspired to help others.
With some assistance, she created Stephy’s Place. Its mission is to provide peer support to those who have lost a loved one. Its hope is that someday those it serves will learn to live a full life again.
Support groups at Stephy’s Place are available for the loss of a spouse/partner; parent; sibling; infant or child, or anyone impacted by suicide or overdose. The organization also helps those who are struggling with divorce. Its 71 facilitators help 500 people weekly.
“Stephy’s Place has truly altered the trajectory of my life,” said Jillian Harrington, who is now a facilitator at Stephy’s Place. “After suddenly losing my husband, I found myself raising two daughters on my own. I was completely lost. Sheila guided me through my grief so that I could find light in the world again. She is truly my angel on earth.”
Day and evening groups are available from Monday through Thursday. Anyone interested can call 732-797-9739 or email stephysplace15@gmail.com. While most support groups are in person, some are held virtually.
Stephy’s Place also has a resource center that helps people locate therapists for one-on-one counseling. A free meditation session is offered at 10 a.m. the first Monday of every month. “Anything that helps us to pause, relax and be present is helpful” when dealing with grief, said Martello.
This article originally appeared in the March 7 – 13, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
