Why Communication is Vital During Periods of Grief

Unfortunately, periods of grief and bereavement are something we all have to endure at some point in our lives. These periods remind us of the intense love that we have shared with a partner, close friend, or family member.

Grief is experienced through the loss of a significant presence in your life, and is most often associated with the loss of a loved one. In a more general sense, grief can be experienced through the loss of a friendship or relationship, losing one’s job, or losing faith in your religion.

It is valid to feel grief and it is incredibly difficult to endure it alone. This is why communication is so vital during periods of grief.

Grief can have a significant impact on not only your mental health, but also your physical health too. During periods of loss it can become very difficult to complete daily tasks and errands like shopping, paying bills, and maintaining your personal hygiene routine.

Bottling up your feelings during periods of grief or bereavement can be very detrimental to your mental health. This is why it’s important to open up to someone and discuss how your grief is impacting you. Discussing grief can be done in a professional setting, such as counselling or therapy, or in a personal and private setting like an open conversation with someone close to you. It can be beneficial to talk to someone who understands your loss, so you can feel safe and comfortable talking about difficult topics.

Grief support groups can also be very helpful, as the provide an open discussion setting with no pressure to speak until you are comfortable doing so. Speaking with others who are experiencing grief can be helpful in making you feel less alone, and giving you a support network you can rely on. If you aren’t ready to share your grief with another person, even making a private description of your feelings, such as writing in a journal or creating a voice memo on your phone, can help get those thoughts out of your head and off your chest in a way you feel comfortable.

Enduring periods of grief and bereavement is incredibly painful and, for many, the most difficult thing we will have to experience in our lives. During these most difficult times, funeral planning can be an insurmountable task. Low-stress options like direct cremations can help by offering a no-hassle alternative to take the burden off your shoulders. Always seek support and advice if you feel your mental or physical health is suffering during a period of grief. Below are charities that offer free support to people who are suffering with bereavement: