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Group work with single females
In our lives we often face traumas like illness, divorce, physical disability and death.
The resulting pain, anger and helplessness seem inevitable, especially for females who are generally believed to be more sensitive and emotionally attached than men.
Understanding women's difficulties in dealing with loss, the Psychological Services Group set up a single female support group in 1995. It helps sufferers work through their losses with professional psychological input, while creating a supportive environment for mutual sharing.
Psychological pain subsequent to loss can be quite overwhelming. In our group experience, we came across members who could not accept the loss and lived in denial for a prolonged period.
We also saw others who could not free themselves from guilt. Apart from the emotional component, members often had problems in their daily lives.
People recover from loss differently. Some recover smoothly with time, but others need more help and support to get back on their feet again.
"The help comes from sharing and support in the group. And it makes it easier to express myself among people with similar experiences," one member said.
In the past five years, we have organised activities for members to enhance their understanding of loss, encouraging them to step out from their past experiences and make more social contributions through things such as seminars, workshops, outdoor activities and social services.
Most have left behind their past and are leading healthy and independent lives.
We recently also organised another bereavement support group to help officers or families work through their grief. In future, we hope our group work service can continue offering assistance to other Force members in need so they too can work through these difficulties with professional guidance.
Starting next issue, we will have a brand new series on relationships in the police setting, which we hope will encourage your care and concern for others. Officers who need help are invited to call the PSG on 2866-6206 or 2735-3739.