How to prepare for a video visit about Grief & Bereavement Support

Audience: adult

Grief and bereavement are natural responses to losing someone important. A video visit with a healthcare provider or counselor can offer support, guidance, and coping strategies during this difficult time. Preparing for your telemedicine appointment helps you get the most from the visit. This includes finding a quiet, private space, having a list of questions or concerns ready, and thinking about your feelings and experiences to share. Video visits can provide emotional support and connect you with resources, but they may not replace in-person care when urgent or severe symptoms occur. Understanding what telemedicine can and cannot do will help you feel more confident and supported as you seek help for grief and bereavement.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Inability to perform daily activities or care for yourself — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Severe depression or hopelessness that worsens over time — arrange prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing emotional support and counseling for grief.
• Offering education about the grieving process.
• Recommending coping strategies and self-care tips.
• Referring to support groups or additional resources.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
• Physical examinations or assessments requiring in-person presence.
• Treatment of severe mental health crises needing immediate intervention.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

During your video visit, the provider will listen to your experiences and feelings about your loss. They may ask about your emotional state, sleep patterns, appetite, and daily activities. The provider can offer coping strategies, recommend support groups, or suggest follow-up care. The visit is confidential and designed to support your emotional well-being.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Choose a quiet, private place where you feel comfortable speaking openly. Test your device's camera and microphone beforehand to avoid technical issues. Write down any questions, symptoms, or concerns you want to discuss. Have a list of medications or treatments you are currently using, if any. Make sure you have a stable internet connection for the video call.

Red Flags to Watch For

If you experience thoughts of harming yourself or others, severe depression, inability to care for yourself, or intense feelings of hopelessness, seek immediate in-person care or emergency services. These are signs that urgent help is needed beyond a video visit.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Grief Support

Telemedicine can provide emotional support, education about grief, coping strategies, and referrals to additional resources. However, it cannot provide emergency interventions, physical examinations, or in-person therapies that may be necessary for severe mental health conditions.

After Your Video Visit

Take time to reflect on the discussion and follow any recommendations given. Consider scheduling follow-up visits if needed. Reach out to support networks such as friends, family, or bereavement groups. If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet and private space for your video visit.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Have a stable internet connection.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about your grief.
• Note any current medications or treatments you are using.
• Be ready to share your feelings and experiences openly.

After your tele-visit

• Reflect on the information and support provided during the visit.
• Follow any care recommendations or referrals given.
• Consider scheduling follow-up appointments if needed.
• Connect with trusted friends, family, or support groups.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or urgent concerns arise.

FAQs

What if I feel too emotional to talk during the video visit?

It's normal to feel emotional when discussing grief. The provider is trained to support you through these feelings. Take your time, and it's okay to pause or ask for a moment if needed.

Can a video visit replace in-person grief counseling?

Video visits can be very helpful for support and guidance but may not fully replace in-person counseling, especially for severe or complex cases. Your provider can help determine what is best for you.

What should I do if I don't have a private space for the video visit?

Try to find a quiet area where you feel safe and comfortable. Using headphones can help with privacy. If privacy is not possible, discuss this with your provider to find alternative support options.

How long does a typical grief support video visit last?

Visits often last between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs and the provider's approach.

Will my information be kept confidential during the video visit?

Yes, healthcare providers follow strict privacy rules to keep your information confidential during telemedicine visits.

Sources

1. Grief: Coping with the loss of your loved one — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Bereavement and Grief Support — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Coping with Grief and Loss — Mayo Clinic.
4. Grief and Bereavement — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate help from a healthcare provider or emergency services.