Grief Counseling

University Counseling Services provides free individual and group grief counseling to students who have experienced loss. The journey through grief is a very personal experience that can be challenging to navigate alone. Grief counseling can assist students with processing their feelings and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment.

If you are in need of grief counseling, please contact the Student Counseling Center.

Grief counseling is free to all students as a result of special funding from the Remember the Ten Run.

Grief and Loss Library

University Counseling Services offers free books on the different types of grief to OSU students. Some books we offer:

• Understanding your Grief
• Understanding your Suicide Grief
• Healing your Traumatized Heart
• Healing your Holiday Grief
• Complicated Grief
• When your Pet Dies

If you would like one of these free resources, please visit the Student Counseling Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the symptoms of grief?

  Symptoms may vary depending on the person. Most people who suffer a loss may experience one or more of the following:

   

  Physical Symptoms: Frequent tiredness, restlessness, headache, stomach problems, tightness in chest, hollow feeling in stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, changes in sleep patterns

   

  Emotional Symptoms: Sadness, anger, frequent crying, feeling helpless, feeling worthless, guilt, relief, anxiety, feeling numb or detached.

   

  Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, wandering aimlessly without remembering what you were doing, feeling confused, loss of interest in spending time with others.

   

  Spiritual Symptoms: Questioning the meaning of life, feeling angry at God, feeling hopeless about the future.

   

  These symptoms are natural and normal responses to grief. Many have found it helpful to talk with a counselor about what they are experiencing.

• How long does it take to get over the death of a loved one?

  It depends on many factors and the answer is "it takes as long as it takes." People tend to adjust to life without their loved one rather than getting over them. The pain of losing someone close is different for each individual because no two relationships are alike.

• How can I help someone who is grieving?

  People tend to feel uncomfortable around a person that is grieving because they don't know what to say or do. Here are some ways to appropriately help:

  • Call often
  • Offer specific forms of help (ex: "I can pick up your groceries for you," or "Let's do our laundry together on Monday.")
  • Use the name of the deceased in the conversation
  • Avoid clichés such as "they are in a better place"
  • Send a card on special occasions such as anniversary of the death, holidays, birthdays, etc.
  • Listen and be present when they want to talk. You don't have to say anything, your presence is enough
  • Encourage them to go slowly and not make any major life decisions such as moving or getting rid of things
  • Allow them to express their emotions
• What do I do when people's "help" isn't very helpful?

  Check out the Mourner's Bill of Rights.