What happens after a telemedicine visit for Grief & Bereavement Support

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for grief and bereavement support, you may feel a mix of emotions. The visit is often a first step toward healing, where you can share your feelings and learn coping strategies. Your healthcare provider may suggest follow-up sessions, recommend support groups, or provide resources to help you manage your grief. It’s important to remember that grief is a personal process and can take time. Telemedicine can offer ongoing support from the comfort of your home, making it easier to access care when you need it. If your feelings become overwhelming or you experience thoughts of harming yourself, seek immediate in-person help. This guide explains what to expect after your telemedicine visit and how to take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency in-person care immediately.
• Sudden withdrawal from all social contact and inability to perform basic self-care — contact emergency services or a trusted healthcare provider.
• Severe feelings of hopelessness or despair that worsen over time — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing emotional support and counseling for grief and bereavement.
• Offering coping strategies and self-care advice.
• Referring to support groups and community resources.
• Scheduling follow-up telemedicine visits to monitor progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Managing severe mental health crises such as suicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention.
• Performing physical examinations or medical tests.
• Providing emergency medical care.
• Diagnosing complex psychiatric conditions that require in-person assessment.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine session, you may feel relief from sharing your feelings or, sometimes, more emotional as grief surfaces. This is a normal part of the healing process. Your provider may summarize the discussion, suggest coping techniques, or recommend additional support such as counseling or community groups. You might receive follow-up instructions or referrals to specialists for ongoing care.

Common Recommendations for Grief Support

Providers often suggest ways to manage grief, including:

These strategies can help you cope between visits and support your emotional well-being.

When and How Follow-Up Care Happens

Your provider may schedule follow-up telemedicine visits to check on your progress and adjust support plans. These sessions help track your emotional health and provide space to discuss new or ongoing challenges. If needed, your provider might recommend in-person care, such as therapy or medical evaluation, especially if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

Signs You Need Immediate In-Person Help

While telemedicine can support many aspects of grief, some situations require urgent care. Seek immediate help if you experience:

In these cases, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

How to Prepare for Your Next Telemedicine Visit

Before your next session, consider:

This preparation helps make your visit more effective and comfortable.

Supporting Yourself Between Visits

Between telemedicine appointments, try to maintain routines that promote well-being. Reach out to friends or support groups when you feel ready. Avoid isolating yourself. Use any recommended resources or coping tools provided by your healthcare provider. Remember, healing from grief is a gradual process, and it’s okay to seek help as often as you need.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space for your telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet.
• Prepare a list of your current feelings, symptoms, and any questions you want to ask.
• Have a list of any medications or treatments you are currently using.
• Test your audio and video settings before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Reflect on the session and note any new feelings or thoughts.
• Follow any coping strategies or self-care advice given by your provider.
• Schedule and attend follow-up telemedicine visits as recommended.
• Reach out to support groups or community resources if suggested.
• Seek immediate in-person help if you experience any red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help me with grief and bereavement support?

Yes, telemedicine can provide emotional support, counseling, and guidance to help you cope with grief. It allows you to connect with healthcare providers from home, making support more accessible.

What should I do if I feel worse after a telemedicine visit?

Feeling emotional after discussing grief is common. However, if your feelings worsen significantly or you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek immediate in-person help or contact emergency services.

How often should I have telemedicine visits for grief support?

The frequency varies depending on your needs and your provider's recommendations. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need less frequent visits. Discuss what works best for you during your appointment.

Can telemedicine replace in-person therapy for grief?

Telemedicine is a helpful tool for many but may not replace in-person therapy in all cases. Some situations require face-to-face care, especially if complex mental health issues are present.

What if I don’t have a private space for my telemedicine visit?

Try to find the most private and quiet place possible. Using headphones and informing household members about your appointment can help maintain privacy during your session.

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. Bereavement Support and Counseling — National Library of Medicine.

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