April 28, 2025

Let’s Talk About Grief We have all experienced grief in one way or another, and one of life’s unpleasant truths is that we will experience it numerous times throughout our lives. Grief is a natural reaction to a significant loss and is essential in the emotional process of recovery. Many people are under the impression that there are set “stages” of grief, however, this is an inaccurate portrayal. Some of the more common feelings that one may experience while grieving are denial, anger, guilt, and sadness- grief is simply not linear and cannot be scheduled. It is important that we allow ourselves to experience grief, however that may manifest. There is no set amount of time that can be considered “normal” and often the feelings of grief come and go for years after a great loss. Grief vs. Mourning What is the difference? While they are quite similar in definition, grief and mourning are two separate things. In Psychology, grief is known as an internal reflection of loss, while mourning is the way that we outwardly express grief. Often the two go hand-in-hand when we lose somebody that we love. Why is It Important to Mourn? While there are parts of grief that we must handle on our own, mourning is important so that you are not alone. Humans are naturally social creatures and over time, our survival has depended on community and social connections. By mourning, we allow the people around us to take part in the grieving process with us. This can look like having a funeral service or celebration of life, talking and sharing memories about your loved one, or even celebrating anniversary dates such as birthdays. Five Ways to Support Someone Who is Grieving  · Actively Listening- Allow your loved one to express their feelings without judgement or input. Give them a safe space to talk about what they are experiencing. · Be Present- Let your loved one know that you are available for them, check in, and show up. Just knowing that someone is there to turn to can be a great comfort. · Acknowledge Their Loss- Offer comforting words and don’t minimize their feelings. · Show Patience and Understanding- Grief can be a rollercoaster of emotions and can be unpredictable; it may be long-lasting. Be patient and understand that your loved one’s emotions may fluctuate. · Offer Help- Offering help is a great way to show that you want to help; offer help with errands, childcare, cleaning, or meals.

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