Grief Awareness Day - An Invitation to Reflect and Reach Out

In recognition of National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, the Rockland Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT) invites community members to acknowledge grief in all its forms and seek compassionate support when needed.

Grief is a profoundly personal and non‑linear process. Drawing from the widely recognized Kübler‑Ross framework, many experience grief through stages of denial, anger, negotiation, depression, and acceptance. The initial stage, denial, helps soften the blow of loss by emotionally buffering individuals from overwhelming feelings. These emotions often resurface in varied sequences and intensities, highlighting that everyone’s journey is unique.

National Grief Awareness Day shines a light on the silent aftermath of loss, whether from death, separation, illness, job loss, or life transitions. BHRT encourages residents to recognize their feelings, honor their experiences, and reach out when grief becomes unmanageable. It’s okay to seek support, especially if you feel stuck or overwhelmed. BHRT offers free, confidential mental health crisis services available 24/7 at 845-517-0400.

BHRT support includes:

• Free, on‑site response to individuals and families in crisis

• Compassionate, non‑judgmental listening and emotional support

• Crisis connections to counseling, peer support, and community resources

• Services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

“This day reminds us that grief doesn’t always come with warning signs or visible tears,” said Tim Egan, Executive Director of Rockland Paramedic Services, which operates BHRT. “Grief can be hidden behind daily routines. Our team stands ready to support anyone struggling privately with empathy and without judgment.”

Supporting the Community This August 30

• Spotlight on Stories: BHRT invites individuals to share messages of remembrance or lessons learned from grief, submitted anonymously on Facebook. You can send DMs to https://www.facebook.com/BHRTGetHelp or email info@rocklandhelp.org

• Grief Check‑In Prompt: BHRT encourages individuals to reach out to a friend or family member simply to say: “I’m thinking of you today.”

If grief is weighing heavily, don’t wait. Call the BHRT Crisis Hotline at (845) 517‑0400. You don’t have to face it alone.

About Rockland Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT)

BHRT is a Rockland County initiative delivering mental health crisis intervention and outreach. Our trained clinicians and peer support specialists respond to individuals in crisis outside of a traditional emergency response. Services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. Visit www.rocklandhelp.org for more information.