Navigating Grief: You're Not Alone
Contributed by Audra Stewart-Gordon, Community Health and Communications Coordinator.
Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to loss. Whether you're mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a job, or a way of life, grief can affect your mind, body, and spirit. Everyone experiences it differently, and there’s no “right” way to grieve.
During times of loss, having local support can make all the difference. Here in Hancock and Washington Counties, compassionate organizations and professionals are ready to walk beside you in your healing journey.
Understanding Grief
Grief can show up as sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, confusion, or even physical symptoms like fatigue or trouble sleeping. It's not linear. Grief can come in waves and change over time. If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a powerful step toward healing.
Local Grief Support Resources
Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County
Offers free grief support groups, one-on-one peer support, and memorial events for adults, teens, and children.
14 McKenzie Ave, Ellsworth, ME
(207) 667-2531
hospiceofhancock.org
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice – Grief & Bereavement Services
Offers individual counseling, support groups, and annual remembrance events.
Available throughout Hancock & Washington Counties
(800) 757-3326
northernlighthomecareandhospice.org
Acadia Family Center
Provides mental health counseling and substance use recovery support, including grief counseling.
1 Fernald Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME
(207) 244-4012
acadiafamilycenter.org
Community Caring Collaborative (Washington County)
Offers wraparound services and connects families with mental health and bereavement resources.
7 VIP Dr, Machias, ME
(207) 255-8000
cccwrc.org
Down East Community Hospital – Behavioral Health Services
Offers mental health counseling, including support for grief, depression, and trauma.
11 Hospital Dr, Machias, ME
(207) 255-0438
dech.org
Downeast Hospice Volunteers
Down East Hospice Volunteers is the only Washington County all-volunteer non-profit program licensed by the State of Maine, providing free comfort care to residents since 1981
Down East Hospice Volunteers
24 Hospital Lane. Calais, Maine 04619
Down East Hospice Volunteers
11 Hospital Drive, Machias, Maine 04654
(207) 454-7521 ext. 9126
Faith-Based & Spiritual Support
Many local churches and spiritual centers in Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Machias, and Milbridge offer pastoral care and grief ministries. These can be valuable sources of comfort and connection for those seeking spiritual support during grief.
You Are Not Alone
Grief may feel isolating, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Whether you're just beginning your journey or still feeling waves of pain years later, there is no expiration date on grief — and no shame in asking for help.
We encourage you to connect with one of the organizations above or speak to a trusted provider. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means learning how to carry the memory of what you’ve lost with care and love.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, help is available 24/7:
📞 Maine Crisis Line: 1-888-568-1112
📞 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
This article was developed with support from AI-assisted writing tools and reviewed by our team for accuracy and clarity.