the power of professional help

I think a great thing is to admit when you cannot do it alone. In this process while Mason was sick and throughout my life experiences I have been fortunate to use the resources of professionals to help me process what is happening. When Mason was sick, we used the child life people to help us with the kids, and got a play therapist for our other son to help deal with everything. My husband and I used different methods. He talked with his friends and I reached out to those in the hospital that were the professionals when I was at a breaking point. Our family has also gone to counseling after Mason died because you have to get used to the new family dynamic and living with grieving people that grieve in very different ways.
I think the challenge is cost. Even with good insurance, mental health services are not covered very well and many do not take insurance anymore. So we have gone to therapists but in short spurts, to hash out what was needed and then tried to manage on our own. For those without good resources, use what the hospital has, the doctor's office, or your local cancer society's or other non-profit organizations to reach out. That is why I think online stuff is so awesome. It is not a replacement for professional resources but can be a supplement and boost you need when you can't get there or a bridge till you go the next time..