Counseling: Understanding Myths about Grief 

Managing grief is a common reason clients seek help in counseling, and you might be going through the same. Maybe you are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one. Your grief might be from a missed opportunity or another major loss. No matter the reason for your grief, it may seem like you are completely overwhelmed with feelings of loss and sadness, and you aren’t sure what to do or how to manage.

You are not alone in your grief. Fortunately, that means you will find support and understanding from others. However, you might also be familiar with some misconceptions and myths about grief and how grief works. (Related article: Resilience) Today, you will learn about one of these myths about grief and a better approach for your healing process. 

Grief Myth #1: “I shouldn’t talk to others about my loss.”

If you are mourning the death of a loved one, you are probably especially familiar with this feeling. It might seem like sharing your feelings of loss and sadness will just make things worse for others. Especially others who might be mourning that loss, too! You might decide to not share your feelings with those closest to you because it seems like sharing your experience might remind them even more about their own grief. Or, maybe it seems like you will be rejected if you try to open up and be honest about your feelings.

In a time when things seem already so overwhelming, it makes sense that you don’t want to make others uncomfortable or upset. However, you might be surprised to learn that sharing feelings of grief with loved ones is an important way to navigate grief. (Related article: What is Empathy?) Let’s talk about why sharing your experiences with others while you grieve is healthy and productive. 

Managing the Unmanageable

Fred Rogers (who you might know better as Mr. Rogers) said that “anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” (Source). Seeking the support of your loved ones can help you practice labeling and describing your feelings of grief. (Related Article: How to Be Emotionally Healthy).  

Being able to describe and talk about your feelings is an important communication skill that can help you feel understood by others. Additionally, reflecting on positive experiences with your loved one can help you remember and appreciate your time together. (Related article: How to Talk to Someone in a Crisis).  

On the other hand, avoiding sharing your grief after loss can lead to prolonged feelings of intense grief and even physical health issues (Source). Grief counseling, connecting with your loved ones, and finding ways to remember the people you are grieving can help you find ways to make the unmanageable more manageable. (Related article: Individual Counseling: What it is and What it isn’t). 

Grief Counseling

Your grief is individual and unique. Luckily, therapists understand that your experience is your own. Grief counseling can help you navigate your personal experience with grief and coping after loss. Ready to start grief counseling? Schedule an appointment with one of our therapists today in Orem, South Jordan, or Spanish Fork.