August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day.
People grieve for many different reasons, including: Death of a loved one, including miscarriages and pets. Divorce or changes in a relationship, including friendships. Loss of a job, or one’s freedom. Changes in one’s health, or the health of a loved one. Loss of a home, or a community resulting from a move. Loss of trust, loss of approval, loss of safety, and loss of control of one’s body.
There is not an antidote for grief but there is an approach that can soften the hard edges of grief. This approach entails meeting yourself and others with kindness and self-compassion. The goal is not to push aside, dismiss or ignore feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame, or regret. More so, it is to treat oneself and others with empathy and compassion during the grieving process.
- Take time to understand the myriad of ways that individuals experience, cope, and overcome loss.
- Become aware of the grief stages and how one uniquely experiences them.
- Increase self-understanding and compassion.
- Help yourself and others better understand what a person grieving may need.
- Reach out to The Grief Center to attend a support group, workshop, or find resources for all who grieve; children, teens and adults.
And remember, if you or someone you know is grieving a loss, you can reach out and talk with a mental health professional at the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (855-662-7474), or the Peer-to-Peer Warmline (855-466-7100).
“Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.” ~ Earl Grollman
