Grief Awareness: Different Types of Grief

August 30 is Grief Awareness Day. Throughout the month, we’ll explore different elements of grief, including causes, ways to show support, and what the grieving people in your life wish you knew.

What is Grief Awareness Day?

National Grief Awareness Day takes place annually in August, but what exactly is it? Simply put, Grief Awareness Day is an opportunity to shed a light on what grief is, how it impacts us, and how it is truly unique for everyone. Even though we all experience grief at some point, it can be taboo to share about. Grief Awareness Day is about breaking down some of the barriers surrounding grief and feeling welcome to share your experience. It also provides an excellent learning opportunity for anyone looking to support a grieving loved one.

Different types of grief.

Grief looks different for everyone, and that’s because every grief story is unique. Not all grief stems from the same catalyst, and even similar occurrences can produce entirely different expressions of grief.

While most people associate grief with death, grief can come in many forms. Death of a friend or loved one, loss of a job, divorce, moving out of your home, a broken friendship, miscarriage – these are just some of the life occurrences that cause grief. Our lives are full of transitions and changes that remove us from our previous sense of stability and normalcy. Whether sudden or anticipated, these changes can cause us to experience grief.

Perhaps you recently moved out of the home you’ve lived in for the past 40 years; the home where your children were raised, and where your granddaughter’s first birthday party took place. Packing up boxes, downsizing, and moving into a new season of life can produce a variety of emotions, and can ignite a period of grieving.

Maybe your grandfather passed away recently, and you’re going through the motions: denial, heartache; reminiscing on the good times followed by sorrow of the present time. Grief moves in and out of each moment.

Often, grief is the uninvited guest, showing up even during moments of happiness.

“You never stop missing them. Your life just kind of grows around the grief. Becoming a mom this year has really made me miss my dad more than I have before because he doesn’t get to be part of my child’s life.”

~ Sam, on recurring grief

It’s always important to remember that no matter what causes grief, it’s different for everyone. Navigating grief doesn’t look the same from one person to another. It’s also important to remember that there is no “right” way to grief. There’s no timeline. Your journey inside grief is yours, unique to the circumstances of your life.

How can I show support to someone in their grief?

Because grief is unique to the person experiencing it, support is personal. Some folks need tangible support, such as help with dishes, preparing a meal, or helping with some home admin like paying bills. Other people might be looking for a trusted friend with whom they can share their feelings without feeling like a burden. If someone you love is navigating grief, try starting here:

What’s the best way for me to show you support right now? I am here for you.

This question is the first step toward letting your loved one know you see them, and that you’re ready to stand alongside them in their grief.

I am grieving and I feel alone.

If you are grieving, here are some reminders:

It’s okay to sit with your feelings.

It’s okay to reach out to a friend for support, even if you just need someone to sit quietly with you while you exist within your grief.

It’s okay if you want to be alone for a bit.

It’s okay if you don’t know what you want. Decision fatigue is a symptom of grief; making decisions in this space is complex and often exhausting.

Be kind to yourself. Your feelings are valid.

You might not feel like “you” anymore. It’s okay to grieve that, too. It’s okay to make space for yourself as you become who you are on the other side of this loss or change.

Your life is changing, and that’s complicated. Grief is complicated, but it matters. Your grief matters. You matter, and you are loved.

Visit our blog again soon as we explore different ways you can support someone you love during a period of grief, as well as what grieving people wish everyone else knew.