Did you know that August 30th is National Grief Awareness Day? This day was founded by a woman named Angie Cartwright in 2014. All of us, including myself, have experienced the horrible feeling of grieving over a loved one. It isn’t something that you could get over quickly. The process of managing grief usually takes time. In acknowledgment of National Grief Awareness Day, let’s examine this process further and how it can manifest in your life. Also, we’ll share some helpful coping tips in going through grief.
What is Grief Awareness?
More people must become educated about grief and how we can cope with it. Many families and individuals have experienced this emotional state in one way or another. It can be an insurmountable experience to overcome. Losing something precious like a loved one in death is one of the most painful, psychologically damaging challenges anyone can deal with. But you don’t have to deal with it alone. Grieving is something we all have to cope with, but these painful feelings we develop are considered to be a part of life.
Is it Wrong to Grieve?
Now is it considered wrong to grieve? Absolutely, not because grieving over the loss of a dear loved one is only natural. Is there a time limit to how long you must grieve? Everyone grieves differently and in their own time. Some people start the grieving process immediately. Others may start grieving a little later. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way in how a person respond to a tragic setback in their lives. So it would be wrong of us to judge a person in how and when they choose to grieve.
Finding the Right Help and Support
When coping with a devastating loss, you need to find the right support system to help you get through it. It isn’t a good idea to mourn the loss of a loved one on your own. You’ll be isolating yourself and one doing that will be “pursuing their own selfish desires.” Having friends and family will help get through the different stages of the grieving process from denial to acceptance. Some people find support through therapy and local support groups. Taking up hobbies such as writing or art are good way to help get through your loss or honor your deceased loved one.
How You Can Support Others
Reaching out to others in need is another great way to cope with your grief. Even if you just visit them and don’t say too much, you could still be a source of strength for them. Helping others could make anyone feel good. Reaching out to someone allows you to give them the support they need. Be a good listening ear for their trials.
However, you must take care of yourself in the process while helping someone else. If you’re not doing this, you won’t be able to help anyone else. You have to make sure you’re physically and mentally okay before assisting another person’s physical and mental needs. The more you tend to your health, the better you’ll feel about helping your grieving friend.
Acknowledging Grief Awareness Everyday
Although National Grief Awareness Day is on a specific day, it still should be something that we must acknowledge every day. Each year, every family has experienced the tragic consequences of death which leads to the grieving process. Everyone copes with the loss of something, usually a loved one, differently. We must educate ourselves on how to cope with grief.
One of the best educational tools is through God’s Word, the Bible. It teaches us how we can comfort in dealing with grief and be a good support system to others. There are a lot of good resources online and in book form for dealing with grief. But in the end, you truly can’t find a better resource that provides so much wisdom and knowledge than God’s Word. It has helped me and my family. Perhaps, it could help you, too.
How did you acknowledge National Grief Awareness Day? What is your favorite self-help resource in dealing with insurmountable grief? Feel free to share your thoughts about coping with grief and tragedy in the comments below. As always, be sure to share or like this post with the next grieving loved one you know.
