Grief counseling, also referred to as bereavement counseling, is a form of therapy used to help individuals cope with loss. The principal role of a grief therapist is to validate the emotions experienced when life is impacted by loss. Depression is a feeling of hopelessness that can overwhelm an individual. It is a curable disorder, though. Working with a clinician to make positive behavioral changes is a viable way to overcome depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Principles
To help individuals banish feelings of depression and anxiety, many state licensed therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. This type of therapy is helpful in developing problem solving and coping skills. The premise of cognitive behavior is that thought and behavior patterns are connected. Teaching patients the relationship between mood and outcome promotes understanding, awareness and beneficial change.
Senior Issues
Seniors experience difficulties in dealing with grief and the aging process that may result in depression. Chronic pain, loss of loved ones and frustration over memory problems may contribute to a depressed mental state. Various care centers and specialists in the state work with seniors. Metta Johnson and Associates, a mental health care team in Atlanta, specializes in geriatric care services. The group provides seniors and their families with grief and depression counseling in addition to comprehensive case management.
Support for Teens
The teenage years are a time of transition. Kids experience mood swings, anxiety about school, friends and growing-up in general. Kids who do not cope well with the constant change may suffer from depression. The New Beginnings Counseling Center in Douglasville helps depressed teens improve self-esteem and relationship issues.
Teen depression can sometimes lead to alcohol and drug abuse. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is an organization originally founded to deal with teenage alcohol abuse. The Georgia chapter provides helpful information and sponsors events to make teens aware of the dangers of drinking.
Grief Support for Children
Special programs exist for grieving children. Rainbows, an international not-for-profit organization, has a chapter in Georgia. The group assists children who experience life-changing loss. Founded in 1983, the organization helps kids as young as 3. Storybooks and play activities are designed to generate feelings of hope. Rainbows provides comprehensive training courses for individuals who donate their time as counselors. These volunteers run the programs at no change to children and their families.
Nonprofit Support Groups
Self-help support groups assist grieving individuals. The Compassionate Friends of Atlanta, a national nonprofit organization, helps grieving families who suffer the loss of a child. The group offers understanding friendship from families who have learned to cope with loss. No fee is charged. Individuals in need of assistance are welcome at weekly meetings. Sign up for an online newsletter at the Friends website.
