Grief’s Impact on Mental Health

CW: Death, substance use, depression, anxiety, suicidality 

Three weeks ago, I lost my grandfather to a battle against acute leukemia. While I’ve lost friends and faced other forms of grief in my life, this particular loss brought a sadness I had never felt before. In the past, I often judged myself for how often I cried or how numb I felt when experiencing different feelings of grief. However, this time was different. I actually allowed myself to fully experience all of my emotions following his passing. At first, I wasn’t sure why my mind and body were grieving in ways I hadn’t experienced before. With time, I’ve come to realize that grief varies greatly from one situation and individual to another.

 The death of a loved one can often result in feelings of grief, which can be abstract and difficult to quantify. This grief can often lead to mental health concerns, as prolonged sadness may develop into long-term depression, anxiety, or other related symptoms. It is important to identify and acknowledge the ways grief can impact one’s mental health. Some emotional symptoms that can indicate that someone may be experiencing long-term grief include but are not limited to longing or yearning, guilt and sadness, numbness, denial, and anger (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). These symptoms can also exacerbate already present mental health symptoms or diagnoses. 

For many people, grieving is not a linear process and it doesn’t vanish overnight. As touched on previously, the range of emotions that can stem from a loved one’s passing can vary from complete numbness to excessive crying or anger. This is why it is important to meet the people in your life where they are at in their individual grieving process. Throughout my own grieving process, I have often found myself comparing how others were displaying their grief to my own feelings and presentation. It wasn’t until I spoke to mental health professionals that I realized I don’t have to be on the same “level” of grief as everyone else and that everyone moves through those feelings on their own time. 

For those who may not currently be experiencing grief but may know someone who is, there are many ways in which you can be there for that individual. You can reach out to that individual and check in to see how they are doing. It is important to validate their feelings and acknowledge their pain. Often, there is no “solution” or “advice” that can truly help, as such suggestions can feel belittling or imply that grief is a problem that needs to be “fixed.” It is important to ask explicitly what that person may need from you, whether it be company, physical space, or conversation. Grieving doesn’t necessarily end after a funeral service or arrangements have been made. There is value in consistently reaching out and providing help to those who are experiencing loss–although this will always depend on the individual and their needs. 

For those who are currently grieving, know that you’re seen and heard by many. It is important to practice self-care in ways that best fit what you need. Everyone is on their own personal journey, and the way you grieve is unique to you.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance use or an emotional crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to speak with a caring counselor 24/7.

Works Cited: 

Helping someone who’s grieving. HelpGuide.org. (2024, February 5). helpguide.org/mental-health/grief/helping-someone-who-is-grieving 

What is grief? Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 1). my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24787-grief