Talk It Out

It’s A Guy Thing: Men’s Grief Group Is Non-Judgmental Way To Open Up After Loss

 In this life, no one escapes death – or coping with it.

The fact is, dealing with loss can take more of a toll out of us than we realize. Men can be especially susceptible to this.

Many men spent boyhood being told not to cry, to “toughen up,” “man up” or to be the “man of the house.” The last thing you ever want to do is be seen as soft or weak. Men need to be strong for the family and against all potential threats.

In the wake of the death of a loved one, men may feel the need to put on a brave, stoic public face, denying the grief they feel. That is why Chesapeake Life Center is starting a new Men’s Monthly Support Group.

The group, based about an hour outside Prince George’s County, is offered only to adult males and will be facilitated by a male counselor.  “We hope that men who feel uncomfortable sharing in mixed company will feel more at home knowing that other men in the room are going through some of the same feelings they are experiencing,” says Chesapeake Life Center Director Susan Coale.

This group will meet from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, beginning Sept. 3, on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus at 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. Together, participants will navigate through the emotional, mental and everyday struggles of the grieving process.

Childcare is not provided, and children are not permitted in this group. Registration is required and there is a nominal $10 fee per session. Register by calling 888-501-7077 or by emailing griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org.