Struggling this season? Check out these grief resources in Bham

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grief
Holidays can bring up a lot of emotions. Photo via @anthonytran on Unsplash

The holiday season can be hard for so many, even in the best of years. In 2020, more people are struggling than ever. If that’s you (or someone you know), keep this in mind: you’re not alone. These Birmingham resources are here to show support—check them out, then share with someone who needs it.

*If you need immediate help, please contact the Crisis Center at (205) 323-7777 or United Way’s 2-1-1 line.*

1. The Crisis Center

The Crisis Center is available 24/7 for Central Alabama residents. They provide services for seniors, teens, survivors of sexual assault and to anyone in crisis. Get a list of helpful phone numbers here.

“Our mission is to serve the unmet needs of people experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues and respond with services that promote coping, emotional health and well-being.”

Give Back to Birmingham

Here at Bham Now, we love our local nonprofits. When 2020 hit hard, we wanted to make it easy for locals to pour back into the community that’s given us all so much. Check out our local nonprofit directory to get info on 150 organizations with all kinds of missions.

Want your favorite local nonprofit to be featured in guides like this one? Be sure to send them this form so they can sign up for free.

2. Community Grief Support

Community Grief Support
Get more info about coping with grief here. Photo via Community Grief Support

Community Grief Support provides individual, couples and family grief counseling to those in need. There’s no cost for services, and they are available during normal working hours Monday–Friday.

“If you are struggling with an emotional stew and feel life is out of control, we can help!

Our grief support groups provide a safe haven for understanding and healing as you share with other grievers in a supportive and confidential environment.”

3. The Amelia Center

Amelia Center
Photo via The Amelia Center on Facebook

The Amelia Center provides professional counseling and support groups for children (age 5+) and teens grieving the death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, close relative, or friend. Counseling is also provided for parents grieving the death of a child of any age, ranging from pregnancy loss through adulthood.

“The Vision for The Amelia Center is that all grieving children, parents and families in the greater Birmingham region have access to a caring and compassionate environment that fosters hope and healing.”

4. A Friend of Mind

Friend of Mind
Photo via A Friend of Mind on Facebook

Dr. Sherilyn Garner founded A Friend of Mind with this mission in mind: to provide a welcoming and safe mental health space to adolescents and their families from under-served communities. Through their programs, A Friend of Mind focuses on promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“We are dedicated to creating culturally tailored programs and eliminating mental health disparities among adolescents and their families living in under-served communities. None of our work would be possible without investment from our communities.” 

5. IMPACT Family Counseling

IMPACT
Photo via IMPACT Family Counseling on Facebook

IMPACT Family Counseling is a United Way agency that provides outpatient counseling and a variety of other services such as mentoring, relationship education, family strengthening and anger management to all people, regardless of religion, sex, race, ethnicity, age or disability.

“Founded in 1991, we continue to make an impact in the lives of others.

Areas of counseling service include: marriage/couples, families, divorce, depression, anxiety, grief, conflict resolution, self esteem, spiritual concerns.”

6. The Wise Center for DBT

counseling
Photo via The Wise Center for DBT

The Wise Center for DBT is a private psychotherapy practice dedicated to providing traditional Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In light of COVID-19, The Wise Center began offering free support for those in need. Contact them for more information.

“Dialectical Behavior Therapy is designed to help clients who feel that they are at the mercy of their emotions, often resulting in self-destructive behaviors and damaged interpersonal relationships.”

7. GriefShare

support groups
Photo via GriefShare on Facebook

GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. Their grief recovery support groups meet weekly in Birmingham and help you face the challenges of the death of loved ones, as well as move toward rebuilding your life.

“It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.

This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before.”

8. Buddys

buddys app
Photo via Buddys on Facebook

Buddys is a free way to connect with other people walking the same journey as you. The app was developed by a Mountain Brook resident after the sudden and unexpected loss of his young son, and it aims to connect you to people who understand how you feel and to provide comfort for now and hope for the future.

“Our mission is to provide a safe and secure mobile network for people to connect and support one another during life challenges.”

You’re not alone this year or this holiday season. There’s no shame in asking for help—these local organizations are waiting to support you.

Do you know of more Birmingham nonprofits in need of support? Be sure to send them this form so we can help get the word out.

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Beth Cunningham
Beth Cunningham

A Birmingham transplant who can usually be found hitting a new hiking trail or restaurant opening when she's not writing stories and snapping photos for Bham Now.

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