If you have experienced a loss, it may feel like you will never fully “get over it” nor forget the loved one. You may continue to feel overwhelmed with uncertainty and perhaps nothing at all seems right. In preparing this post, research has demonstrated that grief counselors, psychologists, professional caretakers, religious figures and others are in agreement that talking about grief helps. By not talking about your grief, there may sense that no one seems to understand. Perhaps a question you’re asking internally is “is there anyone that gets it?” and this is begging to be answered outwardly.
Talking about grief brings about a “me too” effect. It is a commonality not tied to the details of the specific loss, but in the sense that many of the emotions and questions are the same as the other grieving person. According to Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt, when sharing your grief outside yourself, healing occurs. Simply ignoring it will not make it go away whereas talking makes someone experiencing grief feel better. Dr. Wolfelt encourages the grieving party to allow him or herself to speak from the heart, not just the head. Additional means of support come from finding individuals close to the person experiencing the grief who will listen without judgment.
Carl Alasko, Ph.D. mental component which can make the grieving process much more effective. Dr. Alasko references research on the issue of grieving which points out that recuperating from a loss through grieving is a very individual process. So, it’s natural to understand that some people benefit from being in processing groups and others don’t. Dr. Alasko states that the common factor in successfully moving through grief is coming to the full and open acceptance of the fact that a loss has occurred. By talking to other people about the loss those feelings are brought into the open.
Dr. Alasko reminds us that life will always move forward and that actively grieving reconnects us to the forward movement of life. As we move towards Grief Awareness Day, we ask and encourage you to share your story. If you are interested, please click on the Share YOUR Story tab on this blog.
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