Experiencing loss, of any kind, can create feelings of extreme discomfort. This discomfort is what we commonly relate to as grief, and it can show up as phyiscal symptoms, anxiety, shock, all-consuming thoughts about the past, worry about the future and more. Grief is the anguish experienced after loss.
We grieve for different reasons; while most of us understand the loss of a loved one, the shock of losing a career unexpectedly, or even a grave medical diagnosis, sometimes it can be hard for others to understand other types of grief like the loss that comes with growing older, or remorse for something one has done, or even larger, global changes that rest outside of one’s control.
Intense grief can become life-threatening through disruption of the immune system, self-neglect, and in some circumstances suicidal thoughts.
With the right tools and support, we can navigate through our grief and learn to cultivate empathy and resilience and find a path to heal and cope with loss in our lives. It is important to understand, whether we are experiencing grief ourselves, or supporting someone else, everyone’s experience of loss is different. So, it is also important to recognize that everyone’s need for support through their grief will also be individual.
There are a variety of resources available to you, or someone you support, including websites, books, podcasts and online communities. There are also many local, in-person resources such as support groups, churches, mental health centers, and community organizations. Trying a variety of resources until you find what works for you or your loved one, and remembering that needs change as grief changes, will help build resilience and coping.
All people experience grief at some point in their life and knowing that we are not alone when we are grieving loss can help bring the empathy and kindness we need when our pain feels all-consuming. If you, or someone you know is dealing with loss and grief, here are some resources that can help;
988 Lifeline – call, text, or chat (accessibility options available)
Resources About Grief from American Psychological Association
How Your Brain Copes with Grief, and Why it Takes Time to Heal from NPR
Coping with Grief and Loss from National Institute on Aging
Resources for Handling Grief from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Childhood Traumatic Grief from SAMHSA
Supporting You(th): Mental Health Series from UW Madison Extension, Behavioral Health Program (see resource below, other languages available through link above)
