Diana, Grief Recovery Coach

United States

Profile Information:

About Me:: I am a Grief Counselor and Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist who has worked with Hospice and the bereaved since 2001. I am also an Addiction Recovery Coach.
About my Loss:: I've lost a brother and sister, father and mother, grandparents, friend, fiance, step-son, cousin, pet and ex-husband. Overwhelmed by grief, I created Online Grief Support. It's a community of people helping people. Thank YOU for making this community what it is today.
Are You a Service Provider? If Yes, please tell us about your service.: Diana Young, LD/N, GC-C, ORDM
Diana is a Certified Grief Counselor with The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc since 2015. Diana is also a licensed and Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for 30 years specializing in weight management, diabetes care, the mind diet and healthy eating. She created the popular website OnlineGriefSupport.com in 2008 which now has over 15,000 members. Currently Diana facilitates a virtual grief support group weekly. Previously Diana worked for Cornerstone Hospice, providing nutrition care and grief support to patients and their families for over 15 years. She has also worked in hospital and clinical settings.
Along with assisting clients through the grief journey, Diana provides important information on self-care focusing on proper nutrition during the grieving process.
Diana is a recovery support specialist assisting clients with substance use issues.

Comment Wall:

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ciara

hello, yes i have a photo, have to load it on to my comp first though. will do it later on.. x

Mar 19, 2009
Heather Turner

Thank you. Talking about the loss is getting easier but the pain isnt. I still feel like it is a bad dream and the phone will buzz and there will be one her daily jokes that she always use to send. Today is Thursday the 19th, and it has been 10 weeks today. I miss her so much.

Mar 19, 2009
Justice

Thank you. the more i talk about him the better i seem to get, although i have been down/sad, etc. for the past week with no hope in sight. i have worked in hospitals for 10 years, but this is the first death that hit so close to my heart. maybe it's the guilt that i didn't see him as much as i should have, and i should have seen him that week when he wanted, and i didn't. i feel that i'll never meet another person like him, no, i KNOW i'll never meet another person like him, and that scares me. again, thank you for your condolences!

Mar 31, 2009
Alyssa

Thank you for inviting me to this group!!!!!

Apr 18, 2009
Jonnie Russell

Thank you Diana. For reaching out and for extending yourself to myself as well as others here. I am so sorry for your own loss of your brother James as well.

Apr 26, 2009
Katie Grace

Thank you for all of your kind words and Im glad that I found this site as well...Im also sorry for your loss and good luck with your studies in grief counseling and thanatology...I once read in a book that the best way to find healing (argumentable of course) is to take what you have been givin and use it to help others or bring honor to the person that has passed...I know that you are helping so many and God bless you for all of your hard work!

May 4, 2009
Kim Iwasko

Sure I'd love to. I just moved to Santa Fe, NM, my pictures of my Dad are all over the place in boxes. I'll try to find some and post soon. Thank you.

May 5, 2009
Shady Wilbury

Thank you for checking in. All is well, mainly due to the scrapbook. (That's beginning to bring me peace.)

May 7, 2009
deleted account

Thank you--and thank you for friending me, too.

May 7, 2009
deleted account

About photos--I actually don't. I'm trying to see if my brother has any, but I hadn't seen my dad in several years. Wasn't any animosity or anything, I was busy working on my degree and lived out of state, and we just always thought there would be more time, you know?

May 7, 2009
Gail Richardson

Diana - nice to have found so many old friends here - I'm looking forward to making this my new home - Hugz Gail x

May 10, 2009
Stacey

Thank you so much for the welcome Diana.
Hugs,
Stacey

May 10, 2009
Traci Pollard

thank you for the welcome.
This is a link to my group
http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/bereavement-mentorssupporters

May 12, 2009
Robyn Long

Thank you for making me feel welcome. I'm actually looking for an online support group for my "2nd daughter" who lost her mother 3 months ago to lung cancer. She's so lost and I'm not sure how to help her. Battling active cancer myself and knowing her mother and watching her pass from this world, it's hard for me to not be emotional and I don't think that helps her. She doesn't feel anyone understands what she is going through. And no one does. How could they? She feels that when she wakes up and smiles - is happy - she then feels guilty for being that way. Are these common feelings? What can you all suggest to her? I'm not sure I can get her to a brick and mortar support group. Any ideas on how I can help her?

May 15, 2009
Robyn Long

Great ideas. She's 26-years-old. I'll see if I can bring her to you all for you to wrap your arms around her. Thank you for taking the time to respond!

May 16, 2009
sandy

Diane: Lou was just here-ate with us. He's handling his cancer DX better than I would. He's becoming more philosophical and keeping very busy-as he says-.."while I"m able." Turnout for hog roast birthday party & benefit was unbelievable! Raised $1600 which helped with meds. Good hearing from you. Hope Dan is well. Sandy

May 19, 2009
Lou LaGrand, Ph.D.

Diana:
Could you tell me the name of the bereavement coordinator at Cornerstone Hospice. Thank you.

May 22, 2009
Ted Wiard

What a great service this is for all. Thank you.

May 23, 2009
Lou LaGrand, Ph.D.

Thank you Diana for the information. I want to send him some info on the workshops I do. Hope you are having a great holiday weekend. All blessings on you.

May 24, 2009
Melissa L Vinson

Thanks Diana. I have called around for some counseling places and I have to call them in just a little while for an appointment. I didn't think about hospice at all. They were wonderful here when my Daddy passed. Again thanks,

Melissa

Jun 4, 2009
Lauren Bosi

Thanks, it's also my desktop wallpaper

Jun 5, 2009
Allissa

I may add some pictures eventually. Thanks for the welcome.

Jun 17, 2009
Shelley Novak

Thank you for your kind words. My emotions are still so raw as I lost my son only 8 weeks ago and since then have had to deal with my first Mother's Day without him as well as his 21st birthday. I look forward to the on-line support of others that are also dealing with a loss.

Jun 17, 2009
Lenora Antwine

Thank you, Diana, for reaching out. Last night I found the site and just started venting. Didn't realize it had actually been entered online. God bless you for caring about others. Who have you lost? I hope you are finding comfort, and hugs right back to you! Nora

Jun 26, 2009
Debbie Lindley

My daughter is going to a therapist and psychiatrist next week to try and sort things out. She spends all of her time trying to get her boyfriend back but he's not coming around. I know the therapist is the best thing for her. Should I not meddle? I can't stand seeing her unhappy. It makes me unhappy that she is so upset. Losing three grandparents in 9 months is to much for her to bear. Her boyfriend has supported her through all of this. I don't think he understands the greiving process. He didn't let her grieve. Just fought with her when she was angry. Oh, well. I guess this to shall pass.

Jun 27, 2009
Debbie Lindley

I'm sorry, I don't want you to think this is all about me. I am also sorry for your loss. It looks like you are healing by helping other people. I commend you.

Jun 27, 2009
Joy Taylor

Thank you, Diana, for reaching out. I am feeling very alone these days.

Jul 17, 2009
Melanie McCallister

Thanks for the welcome.

Jul 18, 2009
Vikki Avila

Thank you for your kind words Diana. I am so very for your loss as well. I have figured out after almost two year sof grieving alone, that it doesn't help to be " stuck" in my grief. The Lord has been a great support for me, but I still feel very alone in my grief. Live well, and God bless.
Vikki

Jul 22, 2009
Krystal Reed

I just moved to Hanover in March to be with my boyfriend. I know the park quite well, its about 10 mins from me. I love it out there, its a place i like to go to sit and think. thanks for your comment, I'll be sure to post pics of my mom once I'm home. My work computer keeps me limited.

Jul 22, 2009
Shannon Amonette

thank you. it's been a very hard for my dad and myself. i never thought i could feel so empty. thank you for your kind thoughts

Aug 13, 2009
Nancy Joyner-Lutz

Thank you for your kin thoughts. No, I can only guess what happened... I didn't want to put him through an autopsy... wouldn't have changed anything. I suspect a stroke as his heart was beating when paramedics arrived...just wasn't breathing.
Thank you again..
Nancy

Aug 15, 2009
Nancy Joyner-Lutz

I do at work...yes, but not here.... He may not have been a 10, but he was a 9.9999 to me *sad smile*

Aug 15, 2009
Gillian

Hello Diana,
Thank you for the welcoming message! Perhaps we will connect again in the future.
Gillian

Dec 2, 2009
Courtney Rice

Hi. I'm Courtney Rice. I'm in 3 groups but could join more, as I've lost pretty much everyone close. I'm a real mess right now and I need counseling. Is there someone you can lead me to in OGS ? I don't know if distance matters as far as online costs, but I'm near Gilroy, Ca. and I'm pretty much a shut-in, which makes this recent loss just too much. I've already suffered major depression most of my life on top of it all. Please help.
Thank you so much. Sincerely, Courtney Rice

Dec 30, 2009
Courtney Rice

Thank you Diana. Thank you for your help.
Courtney

Dec 31, 2009
REDHEARTS

HI Diana

Thank you for your comment.It was appreciated.Could you tell me how i can chat with someone on here.thanks Linda

Feb 8, 2010
Lisa Davies

Thank you so much for the kind words, it has helped a little just speaking about it. I usually keep things bottled up I'm not good with emotions. I noticed a few people were keeping journals I just don't think I'd know where to begin...and pictures...it's been 2 years and I still cant even look at my dads photos, it hurts even more when people say I look just like him.

Feb 13, 2010
Lisa Davies

Yeah I get that too, people say we act and think like each other along with looking alike and it does make it even harder. I dont have many pictures of him that are recent in which he doesnt look so ill but maybe I can put my favourite one up of me on his knee as a toddler...I dunno.

Feb 13, 2010
Lisa Davies

I may be biased lol I'm a twilight addict lol well for action and a story line yeah New Moon is so much better than Twilight but the first film will always be my favourite...more Edward in it lol

Feb 13, 2010
Lisa Davies

I added my picture, hopefully right I'm not very good with computers and stuff.

Feb 13, 2010
Lou LaGrand, Ph.D.

These are the nine survival skills I talk about in depth.
1. Communicate and relate
2. Discover and grieve your secondary losses
3. Express emotion
4. Do something
5. Start new routines and traditions
6. Go outside of yourself and strive to be more loving
7. Trust mystery and the unseen
8. Replenish without feeling guilty
9. Learn to shift your inner focus

Mar 10, 2010
Dana Allen

It just feels better to type it and really not care for a response. I think it is just healing to put your thoughts to paper(screen). Thanks for accepting me and I'm glad to find this group.

Apr 26, 2010
Monica Pace

Hi Diana, Thank you for becoming a new friend here! I am so sorry about your brother. It was like a double loss, how awful that must have been.
I'm just plugging along each day, putting one foot in front of the other, waiting for time to pass. It's a struggle, but as you know, we HAVE to go through it, there's no other way. It sucks! I try as hard as possible to stay positive. My family and friends are wonderful, but they don't really get it. I just feel the need to talk and talk about Damon and what this devastation feels like. I want him back SO badly - I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes.
Well, here I go getting all bummed out again! I hope you are doing well and I wish you a wonderful day, Diana!
Thanks for contacting me! Monica

May 5, 2010
Cynthia Bliss

Thought I was going crazy today. Got up I was moving along but not ok. had to go to the dentist for a root canal. Went to publix to buy some crap. Came home feed the dog. then started to fall apart. I must have called my poor neighbor 8 times today. She wouldn't come over though(people do have their one lives).She suggested calling Catholic Charities to make an appointment. i diod. Wed. May 12 at 1 pm. 35$ for 50 minutes. Will call the church tomorrow to see if they have any free support groups. I locked the poor dog out in the closed garage this morning.I just forgot about her.

May 10, 2010
Sammie

OK, on the night my mom passed, (after I received the phone call) my power went out as I looked out the window across the corn field the whole sky, just behind the trees as well as the front of the corn field (not in the sky, kind of like a v) lite up like a light that I have never seen in that area and have never seen since. However, I have seen this bright light in two other experiences before my mom passed. I discussed this with the nurse that was with my mom, I asked, "What time was my mom taken from the house?" She told me, "About 3-4 AM". This was the time I saw the light. Another experience was when I was in the hospital, a gentleman came to deliver a gift from a friend. My dad was there and for some reason the gentleman returned, with a blanket. He expressed that it would be beautiful for my daughter and he picked a purple, blue, and white blanket as compaired the the neutral blanket. I asked him where he got the blanket, he told me that volunteers had made it. I was asking these questions b/c my mom had the SAME exact blanket as it was given to her in the hospital 2 months earlier almost to the day. My dad had given me that particular blanket for when my daughter arrived home, that blanket was in my linen closet. I asked if there was any chance that the same yarn could have been used in two different states in two different hospital's. He replied, "oh no dear!" I must have turned white as I looked back at my dad, he did the same.

I am not sure how many characters this post can hold, therefore I will continue on an additional post.

Best,
Sammie

Sep 24, 2010
Sammie

Hello again,

My daughter came to me one morning explaining to me, "Mommy we have to plant white flowers!" I was confused as to why white? she replied, "Because grandma told me". I proceeded to ask my dad, he replied, "That was moms favorite flower". I was not aware that white was her favorite, I knew red were. My son has had a experience right after her passing where she touched his hair. He was my moms favorite and she adored him beyond words. I have four children my son is 7 and my daughter is 5. My younger daughter Jiannia, (she is three) has expressed that she has been kissed by my mom on her forehead. I did not discuss any of my experiences nor do we talk about these type of experiences with my children. Therefore this came right from their own perception and or experiences, without any influences.

Another experience was when my daughter arrived home for the first night. She had to wear a hat b/c she had to keep warm (she is a preemie). The next moring I found her hat at the end of her crib. I knew that she did not move nor did I or anyone else touch her during the night. However, I am Italian and we always put hats on our little ones. If my daughter Bella had her hat covering a little part of her eye under her hat my mom would have moved it, possibly in fear that it would go over here whole face. My mom was very over protective of me and I could understand this experience just as if she was right in front of me.

I have more perhaps you can give me some feedback?

Have a wonderful day!

Best,
Sammie

Sep 24, 2010
Sammie

Good morning Diana,

Thank you! As a matter of fact when I discussed an experience with my son (that he had, pertaining to my mom) he expressed feeling silly to expalin his theory in regards to my mom. I understand b/c it is sometimes hard to believe until someone like you validates it.

Lst. night I layed down with my gir's (Mickalena & Jiannia) I felt a strong presence of my mom, I tried to discard it until I was sure. I felt it again, that is when I accepted it. As the night progressed I felt a little pull on my blanket, about a second later it happened again, I looked around the room and fell back asleep. A few minutes later it happened again. I find the fact that I was sleeping with my mom's blanket a distinct correlation, plus the fact that I feel that she is around my children, since she was so sick for many years and could not be the grandmother that she wished.

Have a wonderful day & thank you so much for responding to my post! In your experience do you feel as if these are definite signs of my mom?

I have to tell you that when my grandmother passed (my mom's mom) I was at my mom's house when I smelled daisey's (in the winter) I asked my mom if she rec'ed flowers from my dad, she replied "No". She then she told me, "That was grandma's favorite flower!" I have been blessed to have all these experiences in my life inc. one with a higher power. One could think of these as by chance . However, I am so fortunate.

Warm wishes,
Sammie

Sep 25, 2010
Sammie

Thank you so much for your support as well as including your personal experiences. How many ways we are so blessed. I will continue to imbrace my experiences and cherish each one. I wonder what might happen in the days to come since it is so close to my mom's passing?

I have a question the little pull on the blanket represents what in your viewpoint? Do you feel as if our family members want us to know that they are OK? And or ease our pain somewhat?

Best,
Sammie

Sep 25, 2010
Sammie

As I begin to explore my experience (w/ ur help!) I seem to understand why my mom would want to comfort me. When she was very ill, she demanded that I do not come see her. She expressed that no matter where she was going she could never forgive herself if something happened to my baby (I was 6 months pregnant). Through my hardship I know that my mom gave me strength because I almost died as well as my daughter (I will expalin in the near future, they are unbelieveable in itself). I feel as if my mom protected us, b/c my Dr. 's explained that they felt as if I would never make it out of the OR as well as after my series of complications. Perhaps my mom is with my family and I simply because she could not be here to comfort me. In addition I think that her hands were tied b/c of being sick for so many years. My theory of my mom not wanting me to see her, correlates to her being able to be here now.

What a beautiful gift my mother has given me. Thank you again, for your response to my posts. Your insight has brought me such peace.

Best,
Sammie

Sep 25, 2010