MYTHS AND FACTS – MAKING SENS OF THE GRIEVING PROCESS PART 2

• October 6, 2021
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Myths and Facts about Grieving

Grief is widely experienced and is also often misunderstood. Misconceptions about grief are common especially in cultural backgrounds where people tend not to mourn openly or talk about grief. These misconceptions can make the people in grief feel hopeless, confused, or can push them toward depression. Family and friends may also be left feeling confused and upset by the unexpected feelings or behaviours of the bereaved.

Exposing the myths about grief and focusing on the facts can help a person before and during the grieving process to better understand grief and the grieving process.

Some common misconceptions

If only I had enough faith, I would not be struggling so much.
Crying only makes it worse – Not true
Talking about my loss only makes it worse – Not true
Grief is a terrible emotion – Grief is not an emotion; it’s a process of healing.
If I can’t get over this loss, I will never be happy again – Of course you will get happy again!
What didn’t hurt last year won’t hurt this year – Not true people have been known to grieve years later.

The process of grieving is often a personal journey and people heal differently. However, it’s important to be aware of these five common myths of grief if you are currently grieving.

REFERENCE:

Twelve Myths about grief by Christie Eastman, MA. LPC, a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist at the Cabell Huntington Hospital Counseling Center.