On National Grief Awareness Day, we remember those who have lost loved ones and offer our support. This day is a reminder to be there for those who are grieving and to offer resources and help. National Grief Awareness Day was founded in 2014 by Angie Cartwright in order to encourage open communication about loss and bereavement. This day also hopes to better inform the public about the facts of grief.
Grief is a universal human experience that has been around for centuries. If you haven't experienced it yet, it's probably only a matter of time. Grief encompasses all the emotions surrounding a loss, and mourning is the external expression of that pain. Bereavement is another term for grief. Over the years, there have been many attempts to describe and heal grief, with varying degrees of success.
Grief is understood differently today than it was 100 years ago, thanks in part to advances in healthcare. In the past, people often died before their time, without the benefit of modern transportation or medical and sanitation knowledge. Consequently, grief was more common and understood differently. Though different cultures have different traditions surrounding honoring the deceased, there are some commonalities between them. In many cultures, family and friends will gather together to mourn the loss of a loved one. This helps to create a sense of community and support during a difficult time.
The topic of grief and its stages was not well researched or treated until the 1900s. In 1917, famous psychologist Sigmund Freud wrote that grieving is a natural process that should not be tampered with. This encapsulates the sentiment that grieving is a part of life and needs no special attention. However, as the century wore on, more and more people became interested in grief and its stages.
In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's influential book "On Death and Dying" outlined the "Five Stages of Grief" which are still well-known today. However, recent research has shown that grief is much more complex and fluid, and cannot be neatly defined by a strict timeline.
How can we help promote National Grief Awareness Day?
- It can be difficult to know how to support a friend who is grieving, but the most important thing you can do is to be there for them. Listen to them, offer your shoulder to cry on, and be understanding that everyone grieves in their own way.
- It is important to take care of yourself when you are grieving, as this is a difficult and emotional time. There is no one right way to grieve, so allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling and take care of yourself emotionally and physically.
- Grief is a difficult but natural part of life that everyone experiences at some point. National Grief Awareness Day is a day dedicated to raising public awareness about grief and its effects. You can help by sharing your own experiences and what you’ve learned about grief on social media. This can create a space for people to openly discuss their grief and help them feel less alone.
There are a few important things to know about grief:
- It is important to understand the distinction between grief and mourning. Grief is the internal anguish we feel after a loss, while mourning is the external expression of that pain. The act of mourning can often help to alleviate some of the grief.
- When we lose a loved one, we often grieve for more than just the person themselves. We may grieve for the loss of financial stability or a home that they represented in our lives.
- Grieving can be a taxing process, both emotionally and physically. It's crucial to take care of yourself during this difficult time.
- Grief is a natural response to loss. It can be experienced after any type of loss, and can last for a long time. The intensity of grief can change over time.
It is important to have a National Grief Awareness Day:
- It is important to raise awareness about grief, as many people do not understand what it is or how to deal with it. Grief education can provide support to those who are grieving and help those who have not yet experienced loss to be prepared for it.
- When we experience loss, it can be difficult to remember that we are not alone in our grief. It is important to remember that there is always hope, even in our darkest moments.
- Grieving people often need support and guidance to help them cope with their loss. National Grief Awareness Day provides an opportunity for people to connect with the resources they need to heal and move forward. This can be an invaluable help in the grieving process.