Coping with the loss of a close friend or family member may be one of the hardest challenges that many of us face. When we lose a spouse, sibling or parent our grief can be particularly intense. Loss is understood as a natural part of life, but we can still be overcome by shock and confusion, leading to prolonged periods of sadness or depression. The sadness typically diminishes in intensity as time passes, but grieving is an important process in order to overcome these feelings and continue to embrace the time you had with your loved one.
Everyone reacts differently to death and employs personal coping mechanisms for grief. Research shows that most people can recover from loss on their own through the passage of time if they have social support and healthy habits.
For over two decades Vernessa Blackwell served as a veteran in the military; she served her country proudly as a Senior Non Commissioned Officer. Helping soldiers was her vocational calling and she loved every moment. As an SR OPNS NCO she helped soldiers on a daily basis for over 24yrs. Vernessa assisted families and soldiers with issues related to death, bereavement and grief.
“I can recall a time when a soldier’s Mom passed away and he was on deployment. I contacted the Red Cross to get the message to the soldier. Once the soldier was back in the U.S there was no life insurance policy. We put the soldier’s family in touch with the Army Aid Society where he obtained a no interest loan to bury his Mother. Every moment I spent gave me life and in this I discovered my life’s purpose-helping others overcome grief. I personally dealt with the unwarranted condition caused by the loss of loved ones- I lost both parents and 4 siblings over the past few years.”
Blackwell’s passion to help restore, rebuild and revive others birthed her boutique “Grief Helpline,” along with a collection of books. She is working to contact as many organizations, companies, and FEMA to be of service to those who are in need. “I truly believe in my heart, my true purpose is to service, in times when people need help the most.”
Human beings are naturally resilient, considering most of us can endure loss and then continue on with our own lives. But some people may struggle with grief for longer periods of time and feel unable to carry out daily activities. Those with severe grief may be experiencing complicated grief.
Real Time Deaths in America: reported by CDC 7/18/2017
Abortions: 593872
Heart Disease: 334103
Cancer: 321786
Tobacco: 190342
Obesity: 166957
Medical Errors: 136749
Stroke: 72386
Lower Respiratory Disease: 77737
Accident (unintentional): 73990
Hospital Associated Infection: 53840
Alcohol: 54383
Diabetes: 41597
Alzheimer's Disease: 50871
Influenza/Pneumonia: 30034
Kidney Failure: 23255
Blood Infection: 18199
Suicide: 23261
Drunk Driving: 18386
Unintentional Poisoning: 17271
All Drug Abuse: 13599
Homicide: 9136
Prescription Drug Overdose: 8158
Murder by gun: 6250
Texting while Driving: 3257
Pedestrian: 2719
Drowning: 2129
Fire Related: 1903
Malnutrition: 1508
Domestic Violence: 794
Smoking in Bed: 424
Falling out of Bed: 325
Killed by Falling Tree: 81
Struck by Lightning: 45
“I hope you will see the need to help me help others.” Vernessa Blackwell is also the Author of The Grief Helpline available on Amazon NOW! For more information visit www.griefhelpline.coach .
