Grief & Loss We all encounter experiences of grief and loss at some point in our life whether it is the loss of a loved one or pet, the end of a relationship, or the sudden loss of a job. While we most often associate grief with death, the same feelings of grief can come up with any significant loss of something or someone we care about. There are many myths and expectations around grief that also do not fully fit every experience of grief because every loss is unique and everyone responds to loss and grief in different ways. Here are a few common myths around grief to reconsider:- If you ignore it or just “be strong”, the grief will go away faster. In truth, one of the most important parts of grief is facing and accepting the reality of the loss. Ignoring the pain or not allowing yourself to feel all of the emotions that come with grief is more likely to cause those feelings to come up over and over again.De-stigmatize mental health.
- There is a time limit on grief. Everyone grieves differently and a group of people who have had the same loss may experience it differently. There is no timeline for grief. For many people certain events, activities, people, or places may continue to bring up feelings of grief or memories associated with the loss. Grief is not a linear experience and there will likely be ups and downs in how you feel about the loss.
- There is a right and wrong way to grieve or not crying/being sad means you do not care. Like above, everyone grieves differently. Some people may experience emotions outside of sadness such as anger following a loss. There is no one right way to process a loss so whatever emotions you may experience are okay emotions to have. It is also okay to not cry or feel sad or depressed following a loss. For individuals dealing with a lot of stress such as caregivers or losses involving anticipation of the loss, there may even be feelings of relief and that is okay too.
If you are facing grief or loss, it is important to acknowledge whatever painful feelings you may be having, accept that those feelings may change, and seek out support in whatever form you may need. Finding ways to make sure to take care of yourself physically and emotionally is also very important so that you can have the space to deal with the feelings related to the loss. While the pain of a loss may never fully disappear or have some ups and downs, it should get easier over time. If it does not, you may be facing more than just a typical grief and may need to seek out additional support. If you or someone you know is dealing with grief or loss at any stage, help is available. Mental health professionals can provide a safe and supportive space to process your loss and cope with the many emotions that can come with it. International Overdose Awareness Day (8/31/2024) In August, we focus on one particular type of lose that can leave a substantial impact on those affected – overdose death. Overdose is one of the leading causes of death for individuals ages 18 to 45 with annual overdose deaths reaching over 100,000 people in the last few years. International Overdose Awareness Day aims to both remember those who have been lost as well as educate and encourage individuals to take action. Here are a few things you can do to support the effort to end overdose deaths and support those grieving a loss:- Fight the stigma. There can be a lot of stigma around taking about the loss of a loved one due to an overdose due to the societal attitudes present around those who struggle with substance use. If you know someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one due to an overdose and if you are able, provide them opportunities to talk about their loved one. It is also important to be mindful about the language we use to discuss substance use, individuals struggling with addiction and substance use, and overdose deaths. Using person first language (ex. “person struggling with addiction” instead of “addict”) is a great place to start.
- Be aware of the signs of an overdose. If caught in time, overdose deaths can be preventable. Know the common signs of someone experiencing an overdose and call for help. Symptoms include: dilated pupils, chest pain, nausea/vomiting, tremors, sweating/high body temperature, seizures, shallow breathing or difficulty breathing, agitation, confusion, disorientation, and unresponsiveness.
- Advocate for access to naloxone. Naloxone can be a life saver and having easy access is incredibly important. If you feel comfortable, it is now available over the counter and carrying it with you or keeping it in your car can provide a valuable lifeline. You can also advocate for it to be included in workplace first aid kits or easily accessible in your community in the form of vending machines. If you are interested, the National Safety Commission also provides a free online training on how to administer naloxone.
If you or someone you know is dealing with grief related to the loss of a loved one due to overdose or if you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, help is available. Mental health professionals can provide support, additional resources, and help you with recovery. |