Grieving Online: Facebook

The Facebook phenomenon is huge. Not only is it a social network and business hub but it also has a valuable role in providing solace and support when you are mourning the loss of someone you love. It doesn't matter where you are in the world. On Facebook, you can connect anytime with like-minded people for companionship, support and understanding, in a number of different ways.

Memorial Facebook Pages: There are thousands of Memorial Pages on Facebook and they can offer an incredible degree of comfort to the family and friends of the person who has died.

Friends can post messages of condolence and support, share photos, anecdotes, songs and favourite memories. Someone may offer up a prayer, which provides hope and peace in the heart of a bereaved family member for many months to come. It's a way to keep the memory of that beloved person 'alive' in the hearts and minds of those who care, whenever they wish to revisit them

There is no limit to how long these pages can stay up on Facebook, though I did see a comment by a father recently that he felt he needed to take his daughters down after one year. As in everything in grief, it is entirely individual.

Grief Support Groups: Immediate family members - mothers, fathers, siblings, adult children as well as non-profit organisations, have set many of these groups up. They provide an avenue for people in a similar situation to express how they are feeling and receive support and understanding from those who truly understand where they are coming from.

There are groups on Facebook for just about any type of loss and membership can be huge, often in the thousands. Probably the key reason why they work so well is they are closed groups ie members only can see the content and as such they offer a safe and confidential refuge for many grieving hearts.

Personal Profile Page: Many people use their status to post how they are feeling about their loss. Their virtual family is there for them. They will know if you are having a particularly bad day or an anniversary or birthday is coming up. It will likely be on your status.

Read Article: http://EzineArticles.com/6628692