• Reasons to Seek Grief Support

    Grief is a natural experience after the loss of a loved one, but that doesn’t make dealing with it any easier. Although you may be tempted to try to battle grief on your own, there are many reasons why support can be the best option, particularly after the funeral ends and life returns to some sort of normal. If you’ve been on the fence about whether grief support could benefit you, here are some reasons to consider giving it a try. 

    Reasons to Seek Grief Support - Chapel of the Chimes Oakland

    Discuss Your Feelings Without Worry

    During the funeral, you’ll be surrounded by family and friends who are eager to listen and support you. After the funeral, even with the best of intentions, it’s natural for those people to begin to resume their normal activities. You may get the impression that they want you to snap out of your grief or that they simply can’t grasp what you’re going through. By joining a grief support group , you can discuss your feelings without worrying that you’re burdening someone or that they don’t understand where you’re coming from. Talking about your experiences with people who are going through the same thing can be a helpful release.

    Learn Coping Skills

    There is no roadmap for grief, and what works for one person may not work for another. When you’ve been shaken by a loss, however, you may have no idea how to even begin coping on your worst days. In a grief support group, you learn how people in your same position are coping and get ideas for strategies that you can also try.

    Discover New Ways to Honor Lost Loved Ones

    Finding ways to incorporate the memories of your lost loved one into your life can bring relief. Within a grief support group, you can learn about new traditions other people coping with grief have developed that may also be a good fit for your family.

    At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, supporting families in their grief is one of the most important parts of our funeral planning services . Get more information about our funeral home in Oakland by calling us at (510) 654-0123. You can also learn more on our website.

  • Following Proper Funeral Etiquette

    During a funeral, following the proper etiquette will help you feel comfortable while offering condolences to family and friends. Although it may not always be easy to know the right thing to do, this video will help.

    Start by sending flowers to the funeral home or family home, or making a donation to a charity in lieu of flowers if requested by the family. Attend the wake at the funeral to pay respects to the lost person. At the funeral, dress appropriately in dark clothing and tell the family that you are sorry for their loss. Attend any post-funeral meal or gathering to offer further support.

    At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland , our funeral home can help grieving families plan funeral and cremation services in their times of need. To learn more about how we can help you, call (510) 654-0123. 

  • Understanding Common Symptoms of Grief

    Understanding Common Symptoms of Grief - Chapel of the Chimes - Oakland, CA

    Some people grieve for days or weeks, while others do for many years. If you experienced a recent loss, you may experience pain, confusion, and other emotions that are commonly associated with the grieving process. While there are as many different ways to grief as there are people in the world, there are a number of symptoms of grief that people experience. Initially it’s common to experience shock and disbelief—this is usually associated with the denial stage. After this sadness, guilt, and anger are common as the person affected by grief tries to grapple with the reality of their loss. A loss can trigger fears and worries, such as insecurity, anxiety, and helplessness. Grief is not only emotional, however—it is known for producing a wide range of physical symptoms, including fatigue, illness, nausea, weight fluctuation, insomnia, and pain.

    It can be hard to find the support you need to cope with grief. In addition to seeking support from friends and family, Chapel of the Chimes Oakland encourages you to access our 24/7 online grief support services on our website. Visit us online to find out more about our personalized funeral services and cremation services in Oakland .

  • Tips on What to Wear to a Funeral

    Following dress etiquette is an important part of most funeral services. At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, we offer a wide range of funeral services in Oakland . In this article, we will overview some of the considerations to have when you are choosing funeral attire.

    Tips on What to Wear to a Funeral - Chapel of the Chimes - Oakland, CA

    Appropriate Formality

    Funerals are traditionally formal, but check the invitation to see if it specifically says that it will be a more festive memorial service. Some service announcements say to wear the favorite color of the deceased. If the invitation does not specify, it probably means that the funeral will be more formal, which means it’s best to wear business attire such as a dress or a suit. T-shirts, shorts jeans, and casual footwear are typically not appropriate for a funeral service.

    Clean and Presentable Clothing

    Whatever you wear to a funeral, it must be as presentable as possible. All clothing should be washed or dry cleaned. If you are wearing anything that is prone to wrinkling, press it before wearing it to the funeral. Your shoes should be cleaned before the funeral, and polished if they are made of leather.  

    Black or Muted Colors

    The most traditional color for a funeral is black. Although it is not a requirement to wear black to a funeral service , it is highly recommended. Earthy tones such as dark brown and gray are acceptable, but make sure that you avoid wearing bold or bright colors.

    Personalized Style

    For most funeral services, it’s best to wear formal clothing that does not attract attention. If you don’t have a black collared shirt, it’s okay to wear a white or oxford blue shirt. Classic pinstripes are fine for suits and dress shirts.

    Chapel of the Chimes Oakland is one of the most respected funeral homes in Oakland and surrounding areas. For more information about our funeral service and cremation services, visit our website or call us at (510) 654-0123.