Understanding Grief: What It Is and How to Navigate It
This month we’ve been doing a deep dive into grief. We’ve explored what grief is, how to cope with it, and how to support others who are grieving.
Grief is a universal human experience, yet it’s deeply personal and often misunderstood. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, witnessed someone close to you experience a loss, or are anticipating a loss, understanding grief can provide comfort and clarity during challenging times.
What Is Grief?
Grief is the emotional, physical, and psychological response to loss. While most commonly associated with death, grief can also arise from other significant life changes, such as the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or major lifestyle transitions.
Grief isn’t linear. It doesn’t follow a set timeline or checklist, and it manifests differently for everyone. The emotions tied to grief can range from sadness, anger, and confusion to moments of peace and acceptance. Some may find solace in familiar routines, while others may need time to pause and reflect.
The Five Common Stages of Grief
The Kubler-Ross model outlines five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not prescriptive—not everyone experiences all of them, and they don’t occur in a specific order. Still, they can provide a helpful framework for understanding the ebb and flow of emotions during the grieving process.
Coping with Grief: Strategies for Healing
While grief is deeply personal, there are ways to navigate it and find moments of comfort:
Allow Yourself to Feel: Suppressing emotions can prolong the grieving process. It’s okay to feel sadness, anger, or even relief. Honor your emotions without judgment.
Seek Support: Grieving doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Lean on friends, family, support groups, or professional counselors who can provide a listening ear and guidance.
Establish Routines: Returning to daily routines can provide a sense of normalcy and control. Simple activities like preparing meals, walking, or journaling can be grounding.
Practice Self-Care: Grieving can take a physical toll. Prioritize your well-being by getting enough rest, eating nourishing food, and engaging in gentle physical activity.
Embrace Remembrance: Honoring the memory of a loved one can be a powerful way to heal. Create rituals, such as lighting a candle, sharing stories, or keeping a photo album.
How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving
If someone you care about is grieving, it can be hard to know how to help. Here are some meaningful ways to offer support:
Be Present: Sometimes, the best way to support someone is simply to be there. Your presence can speak volumes, even when words feel inadequate.
Listen Without Judgment: Let them share their feelings and memories without offering solutions or minimizing their pain.
Offer Practical Help: Grief can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Offer to help with meals, errands, or other responsibilities.
Be Patient: Grieving takes time, and there’s no “getting over” a loss. Avoid rushing them through their process or expecting them to “move on.”
Acknowledge the Loss: Use the name of the deceased when speaking about them. Avoiding the subject can make the person feel isolated in their grief.
Moving Forward with Hope
Grief is not about forgetting—it’s about finding a way to move forward while carrying the memory of what you’ve lost. With time, support, and self-compassion, it is possible to find moments of joy and meaning again.
If you’re navigating grief or want to take steps to ease the burden on your loved ones through end-of-life planning, we’re here to help. Knowing that decisions have already been made can provide immense relief during moments of loss.
