National Grief Awareness Month is observed every September as a time to bring attention to the universal experience of grief and the importance of providing resources and support for those who are grieving. This month-long observance aims to destigmatize the conversation around grief, encourage open dialogue, and empower individuals to seek the help and comfort they need during their most difficult times.
Grief and Mental Health
Grief is a type of psychological distress experienced after a great loss. It can be intense and overwhelming, leaving you feeling unfamiliar in your own body. Despite this, grief is a normal and even healthy emotional response. In most cases and for most people, grief eventually passes and a person can move on emotionally, even if the pain never goes away entirely. However, there are instances where grief can be extreme and debilitating to such a degree that it can even be life-threatening.
Mourning and coping with loss can incite a host of intense emotional responses such as anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Further, having to deal with the aftermath of loss (e.g. selling the home of a parent who recently passed) can be extremely stressful and negatively impact mental health as well.
Effects of grief on the brain
Grief actively rewires the brain in a way that’s very similar to trauma (they’re both processed by similar parts of the brain). The intense negative emotions cause those neurons to fire repeatedly, eventually strengthening the ones related to stress and survival. This comes at the cost of the weakening of neural connections that deal with other aspects of functions such as cognition or behavior.
Long-term or excessive grief can cause impairments in:
- Ability to focus
- Decision-making
- Memory and cognition
- Information processing
- Immune response
- Sleep
- Visuospatial function
6 healthy ways to cope with grief and loss
Grief is a natural, yet deeply personal, response to loss. It can manifest in a myriad of ways, both emotionally and physically, and can profoundly impact every aspect of your life. It’s important to remember that there is no “right” way to grieve and that your experience will be unique to you. Some strategies that may help you cope during this time include:
Allow yourself to feel
Acknowledging the reality of your grief, and allowing yourself to fully experience and express it, is a crucial step in the healing process. Give yourself permission to fully experience your emotions, whether they are tears of sorrow or moments of laughter and fond remembrance. Additionally, bottling up emotions has been proven to be harmful to both mental and physical health.
Tap your support network
Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can provide a compassionate ear and a shoulder to lean on. Feeling isolated while also dealing with grief can exacerbate negative emotional effects.
Prioritize self-care
Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. Seek activities that will help you stay grounded in the present moment rather than the past or future, which can be tender subjects immediately after experiencing loss. Not only can they help you feel better in the moment, but long-term can be beneficial for restoring feelings of security and safety — imperative for healing the brain after a trauma response.
Share your story
Sharing your personal experiences with grief can be a powerful way to connect with others, find solace, and contribute to the broader dialogue around grief and loss. As part of National Grief Awareness Month, consider writing a blog post, recording a podcast, or participating in a grief-themed event to share your story. Your vulnerability and honesty may inspire others who are on a similar path and help to normalize the grief experience.
Honor your loved ones
Find meaningful ways to commemorate the life of the person, animal, or other cherished item you’ve lost. Tangible acts like creating a memory box, holding a remembrance ceremony, or planting a tree can serve as a physical reminder and keep you feeling connected to what you’ve lost. In some instances, a singular symbolic act might be more impactful and reinforce concepts like letting go or moving on.
Take advantage of grief resources
You don’t have to deal with your grief alone. There are many free resources dedicated specifically to helping people navigate tough emotional times such as:
- Grief support groups, either in-person or online
- Bereavement hotlines and helplines
- Grief-focused books, podcasts, and online resources
- Grief counseling or therapy
This National Grief Awareness Month, take a moment to reflect on losses you still might be grieving over and whether you are processing your feelings in a healthy manner. If you’re having trouble moving on, our free directory can help you find a mental health therapist who specializes in grief counseling near you.
https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/how-tragedy-affects-the-brain