Remembering those we’ve lost: Coping with grief on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, many families across the U.S. will remember the lives of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. For those who have lost someone, this can be a difficult time, but there are ways to help manage grief and find comfort in honoring the memory of those we have lost.
One way is to connect with others who’ve had the same experience. Military organizations such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offer support groups and counseling services for families of fallen service members. These resources can provide safe and supportive spaces to share experiences, get emotional support and work through the grieving process.
Another way to cope with grief is to honor the memory of those you’ve lost is by participating in Memorial Day traditions. Attending a memorial service or placing flags on gravesites can be a meaningful way to pay tribute to fallen service members. Some families also create their own traditions, such as visiting a favorite spot or sharing memories with loved ones.
It’s also important to take care of yourself while grieving. This may include self-care activities such as exercise, eating well or spending time with loved ones. Mental Health America advises being aware of ”numbing” your pain by using medication or alcohol to deal with grief. If you’re grieving, be mindful of your emotional state and seek professional help if feelings become too much to bear.
While Memorial Day can be a difficult time, it can also be an opportunity to honor loved ones you’ve lost and find comfort in the support of others. By participating in traditions and connecting with resources, you can cope with their grief in a healthy and meaningful way. Regence members have access to a wide range of resources if more support is needed.
We’re here to help
If you or your loved one needs emotional support or mental health care, we can help you find the behavioral health care option that fits your needs. Most of our health plans offer virtual mental health treatment options from providers such as AbleTo Therapy+, Doctor on Demand, Talkspace, Charlie Health and more. No referral is needed – you can visit the provider website and fill out their intake form for an appointment.
Regence also offers access to in-person and virtual substance use disorder treatment providers that can help people deal with grief in healthier ways. Providers such as Boulder Care, Eleanor Health (WA only) and Hazelden Betty Ford offer many different treatment options. If your employer has an employee assistance program (EAP), your use of the program is confidential and at low or no cost.
In addition to the broad range of traditional and virtual mental health providers, most Regence members have access to specialized behavioral health care for those seeking help for eating disorders (Equip) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (nOCD).
We encourage you to visit these providers’ websites or call our customer service team at the number listed on your member ID card to verify which virtual care and traditional behavioral health options are available through your health plan.
Remember 988 – the new National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if needed.