Grief Awareness Week: Understanding Grief, Finding Support, and Supporting Loved Ones
- Emily Fialho
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Table of Contents
Why Grief Awareness Week Matters
Grief Awareness Week offers an important opportunity to recognize an experience that touches every life, yet is often misunderstood or quietly endured. Grief is more than sadness. It’s a complex emotional response to loss that can impact our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Whether someone is grieving the death of a loved one, a major life change, or the loss of stability or connection, grief can shape daily life in profound ways.
Despite how universal grief is, many people still feel pressure to “move on” quickly or hide their emotions. Misconceptions about what grief should look like can leave individuals feeling isolated or unsure if what they’re experiencing is “normal.” Grief Awareness Week helps break down those barriers by creating space for honest conversations and validating the many ways people experience loss.
At its core, this week is a reminder that grief is deeply personal, and no two journeys look the same. By increasing awareness, we not only support those who are grieving but also empower communities, families, and caregivers to understand how to show up with compassion, patience, and meaningful support.
What Is Grief? Understanding the Emotional Impact of Loss
Grief is a natural, human response to loss. While most people associate grief with the death of a loved one, it can arise from any significant change, such as the loss of a relationship, health, stability, a job, or even a sense of identity. Grief affects the whole person, influencing emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and even physical health.
At its core, grief reflects the depth of our connection to what was lost. It can show up as sadness, anger, confusion, numbness, guilt, or even moments of relief. These reactions can shift daily, or even hour to hour, and all of them are valid.
Because grief touches so many parts of a person’s life, it doesn’t follow a straight line or predictable timeline. For some, grief may ease gradually. For others, it may resurface unexpectedly months or years later. Regardless of how it appears, grief is a deeply personal journey, and it’s one that deserves understanding, patience, and support.
Grief Is Not “One Size Fits All”: The Many Ways People Grieve
Every person’s grief story is different. While some people express their emotions openly, others may grieve more privately. Some find comfort in talking, while others process their feelings internally. There is no “right” way to grieve, and comparing one person’s journey to another’s often creates unnecessary pressure or shame.
Several factors shape how someone experiences grief, including:
· Personality and coping style
· Relationship to the loss
· Spiritual beliefs and/or culture
· Past trauma or mental health challenges
· Support systems and family dynamics
· Type and circumstances of the loss
These differences explain why two people who experience the same loss can still grieve in very different ways. One might return to routines quickly, while the other may need more time and space. One might show emotion easily, while another may cope by staying busy or focusing on responsibilities.
Grief isn’t linear. It ebbs and flows. It can feel heavier on anniversaries, holidays, or unexpected reminders. And that’s normal.
Recognizing these differences helps create a more compassionate and supportive environment for those navigating loss. Instead of wondering whether someone is grieving “correctly,” we can focus on offering patience, presence, and understanding.
How to Get Support When You’re Grieving
Grief can feel overwhelming, and it’s important to know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and there are many ways to get help for your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Professional Support
· Grief counseling or therapy: Licensed therapists can help you process emotions, identify coping strategies, and navigate complex feelings.
· Support groups: Sharing your experiences with others who understand loss can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community. GriefShare is an excellent resource for this.
· Behavioral health services: Mental health providers can address grief-related anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Self-Care Practices
· Routine: Maintaining a daily routine to make things manageable and predictable.
· Rest: Getting enough sleep supports emotional resilience.
· Journaling or creative outlets: Writing, drawing, or other creative practices can help express feelings that are difficult to verbalize.
· Mindfulness and meditation: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle movement can reduce stress and promote emotional regulation.
Reaching Out to Friends and Family
Let trusted loved ones know how you’re feeling and what kind of support you need. Be sure to allow yourself to accept help with practical tasks if grief feels overwhelming.
When to Seek Extra Help
If grief feels unmanageable or persists in a way that disrupts daily life or if you notice prolonged feelings of hopelessness, intense anxiety, or self-harm thoughts, a mental health professional can provide guidance, therapy, or referrals to specialized grief programs.
Remember, grief is not a journey you need to walk alone. Reaching out to others, whether professionals, friends, or support communities, can help you navigate loss while honoring your unique experience.
Growing With Grief: How Healing Doesn’t Mean Forgetting
Healing from grief doesn’t mean forgetting the person or thing you’ve lost. Instead, it’s about finding ways to live fully while carrying the memory and lessons of your loss. Grief can be an opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and even transformation, though it takes time, patience, and support. Remember to uphold traditions or give yourself the grace to let them go (even just for now) if it’s too hard. You can connect with others who have also gone through loss and process emotions together. Find ways to express your feelings in a healthy way, such as through creative endeavors, talking with close friends/family, or having a quiet moment of remembrance by yourself. As your grow in resilience, you may discover new strengths or perspectives, redefine priorities, and grow in deeper relationships with friends new and old. Resilience doesn’t erase grief, but it can help you to cope and provide you with hope.
How to Support Someone You Love Who Is Grieving
Supporting someone through grief can feel intimidating. You may worry about saying the wrong thing or not doing enough. But often, what grieving people need most is presence, compassion, and patience. You don’t have to fix their pain. You just have to show up.
What to Say (and What Not to Say)
Helpful things to say:
· “I’m here for you.”
· “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
· “It’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling.”
· “Would you like to talk about them?”
Phrases to avoid:
· “They’re in a better place.”
· “At least…” statements (e.g., “At least they lived a long life”).
· “You should be over it by now.”
· “Everything happens for a reason.”
These well-intentioned statements often invalidate feelings. Instead, focus on listening, validating, and offering steady support.
The Power of Presence
Sometimes the most comforting thing you can do is simply be there. Sit with them. Let them cry. Let there be silence. Grief doesn’t need to be filled with advice…it needs space to breathe.
Offer Practical Support
Grief can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. You can help by offering:
· Meals or groceries
· Childcare or pet care
· Help with appointments or errands
· Transportation
· Assistance with paperwork (if appropriate)
Instead of saying “Let me know if you need anything,” try offering something specific: “I’m making dinner on Thursday, can I bring some to you?”
You Are Not Alone
Grief is a universal experience, and no one should have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re coping with a personal loss or supporting someone you love through theirs, it’s important to remember that grief is a natural, human response, and there is no “right” timeline or path to healing. Each person’s journey looks different, and every emotion along the way is valid.
During Grief Awareness Week, we’re reminded of the importance of compassion, connection, and understanding. Reaching out for help is an act of strength, not a sign of weakness. Support from friends, family, community, and behavioral health professionals can make all the difference as you move through grief and toward healing.
If you or someone you love is struggling, know that resources and caring professionals are available to help, especially here at Starting Point. You deserve support, comfort, and understanding.