LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital will host its monthly Wellness & Stroke Recovery support group on Wednesday, April 27, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the hospital conference room.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Bereavement counselors from Hospice Services of Lake County will present to the group on grief, loss and coping mechanisms following the death of a loved one or the diagnosis of a chronic illness such as diabetes, heart failure or COPD.

Grief is defined as deep sorrow typically triggered by a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one or the diagnosis of a life-altering illness such as diabetes, heart failure or COPD.

While individuals cope with grief differently, research shows that a social support system and healthy habits greatly impact the ability to overcome grief, according to the American Psychological Association.

Severe grief, defined by the APA as the bio-psycho-social impact of the death of a loved one that can complicate daily function, requires individualized attention and treatment.

Bereavement support groups can offer a safe place for grieving people to find fellowship with others who are empathetic and understanding.

Groups can help an individual validate his or her feelings of loss, alleviate the loneliness that often accompanies a significant loss, and offer ways to work through the emotional and spiritual implications of sorrow, according to the Hospice Foundation of America.

The group is free and open to the public.

For questions about the group or for more information, please contact Nikki Bullock, M.S.W. by phone at 707-264-9492 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Morgen Wells is community relations and fund development specialist at Sutter Lakeside Hospital.