Modern technology has impacted many aspects of society, and new platforms for grief support have emerged as well. With National Grief Awareness Day coming up on August 30, it is a good time to learn about what type of support might be available to you through this digital frontier.
Announcing
From sharing birth announcements, to chronicling your daily life and thoughts, it’s no surprise that death and grief support have also become a part of our social media experience. These days, except for immediate family and the very closest friends, most people learn of the death of a friend or neighbor online. With approximately 69% of U.S. adults using Facebook (according to a 2019 study by PEW research), social media has become a very popular way to reach out to a large group of people. You can post information about your loved one’s funeral or wake in a public post. The Solimine Funeral Homes website platform allows you to post and share links to obituaries on your social media pages and to invite friends and family to share memories as well. One small caution before posting an announcement of a death on social media: Make sure that those closest to the deceased are aware of the death so that they don’t learn of it for the first time on Facebook.
Memorializing
Social media can provide a lasting legacy for your loved one. In this time of great sadness, it may bring you some comfort to hear fond memories and see photos of the one you miss. The Solimine website hosts not only obituaries but offers the opportunity for friends and family to share memories, post photos, light candles and more. In some cases, people continue to post long after the funeral has occurred and this lasting legacy helps us deal with our grief and share support as well.
Receiving Support through your funeral home
After going ‘public’ with the loss of someone online, many people will offer condolences on social media. The Solimine website platform is designed to help families support one another in their grief. You can light an online remembrance candle, share memories, and even send flowers directly through the website without having to contact a florist directly. Other resources include a list of local cemeteries, funeral etiquette guidelines, and other frequently asked questions to help you navigate this difficult time.
Reaching Out
Whereas grief may make you feel like you are alone, digital support and remembrances can help be a source of strength. It seems these days, whatever issue you are going through, there are online support groups and message boards to help guide you through your journey. A list of local support groups and support resources are available for you through the Solimine website platform. Soon after one’s passing, you may not feel ready to talk to other people in person about your sadness, and that is OK. The internet can help provide anonymity to really talk about how you are feeling and receive support from others who are going through a similar experience. Talking through your grief in a social media community can help make grief a less isolated experience.
With all of the ease technology provides to send your thoughts to others who are grieving, remember, it is not always the best substitution for a thoughtful handwritten note or phone call to let them know that you are thinking of them. If you are the one who is grieving, at a certain point, it may be good for you to get outside again and spend time with your loved ones, but always remember that there are no rules and no right or wrong ways to navigate the process. And remember, at Solimine Funeral Homes, we are always here to help.
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