After Jesse died, we spent a lot of time looking for information that might help us understand what we were going through. Some of it came from victim-support organizations. Some came from mental-health groups. Some were simply articles that helped put words to things we were feeling.
The links below are a few of the resources we came across along the way. They cover different topics, from grief and trauma to ways people try to care for themselves after difficult events.
Not every resource will feel useful to every person. But if you’re looking for places to start, these were some of the ones we found during our own search.
1. Gaia.com
From Gaia.com: Gaia is a mission-driven community that empowers the global evolution of consciousness. Our ad-free streaming videos help people explore the limits of our human potential, connect to ourselves, each other, and the universe in new ways, and challenge assumptions that keep us from growing.
2. List of Homicide Bereavement Services by Massachusetts County
Information from the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance.
3. How to Build Resilience When You Have PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects not only military personnel but around 6% of the general population. PTSD can occur in any person who experiences a traumatic or stressful situation. Whether it’s combat exposure, childhood trauma or a threatening event, there’s hope for those diagnosed with PTSD. Explore vital coping techniques and resilience-building strategies that can make a difference.
4. Ways to Honor Someone You’ve Lost
Losing someone you love is never easy. The grieving process is natural and unique to everyone. While bereavement grief has similar symptoms to major depression, grief and depression are different in important ways. Learn about navigating bereavement, distinguishing between the intricate differences of grief and depression, and finding ways to honor the loss of a loved one in this blog post.
5. How to Take Care of Yourself When the World’s on Fire
Tragic events can make us feel out of sorts and depressed, even if we’re not directly affected. Whether tragedy strikes locally, nationally or internationally, your mental health can take a hit. When it feels like the world’s “on fire,” recognize your needs and address your mental wellbeing.