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Need to Know
Loss can come in many forms: the end of a relationship, death of a loved one, loss of a job, or major life changes due to illness or financial hardship.
Grief is a natural response to loss and can encompass a wide range of emotions, from sadness and anger to relief and confusion.
Many Americans say the loss of a loved one is the most difficult event of their lives.
There is no “normal” timeline for grieving. It is a deeply personal experience that varies from person to person.
Grief can affect every aspect of our lives, including physical health, emotional well-being, and social interactions.
Common manifestations of grief include feelings of emptiness, intense sorrow, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Grief is not a mental health condition like clinical depression, but it can lead to or worsen those conditions if not addressed.
It’s important to acknowledge the impact of loss and seek support through therapy, support groups, or conversations with trusted individuals.
Things to Avoid
Refrain from equating the loss of a person, relationship, or opportunity to everyday disappointments. Grief is a profound experience that deserves to be acknowledged as such.
Avoid making assumptions about how someone should grieve or how long their grief should last. Remember: Every person’s journey is unique.
Be cautious not to minimize the complexity of grief. It’s not only about the initial loss, but also can involve a redefinition of one’s identity and place in the world.
When discussing coping mechanisms, avoid endorsing specific remedies or treatments that may not be universally applicable or accessible.
Your Opportunity
Use your platform to validate the wide range of emotions that come with grief, reinforcing that all feelings are valid and that it’s OK not to be OK.
Share stories of resilience and healing to offer hope to people who may be in the throes of grief.
Encourage your audience to seek professional help if they’re struggling to cope with a loss. Remind them that reaching out is a brave and important step toward healing.
Offer reminders about the importance of self-care during the grieving process and suggest general strategies that may aid in coping with loss, such as mindfulness, exercise, and creative expression.
Provide resources for your followers who may be grappling with grief, directing them to organizations and support systems that can help.
Hospitals and community mental health centers can provide referrals to grief groups. Spending time with others who are grieving helps many people feel less alone.
Resources
The Jed Foundation →
Visit the JED Mental Health Resource Center to learn more about loss and grief.
Mental Health is Health →
Learn more about coping with loss from Mental Health is Health.
Dial 988 Hotline →
Dial 988 for a free conversation with a trained counselor 24/7.
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