Today is National Grief Awareness Day. A time that recognizes loss in a variety of forms and the void it leaves behind.
Throughout the day, take stock of those in your life who have been affected by a form of loss. The death of a loved one, a close friend, or enduring an extreme change in their lifestyle can trigger grief. When we lose the stability of shelter, a job or a routine we have known for years, we suffer a type of loss that requires closure. Some adjust to these changes easily, and others take time to become familiar with new routines.
Offer to listen to a friend or ask them to join you for coffee or tea. Send a message letting them know they are never far from your mind. Then, set a date for another visit. If you find you are suffering from grief, know that it’s natural. You’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help if you feel your grief is overwhelming.
Look for signs of grief in yourself and loved ones. Self-care is vital after and during a loss. There’s no shame in seeking assistance with grief if the pain becomes overwhelming.
Angie Cartwright founded National Grief Awareness Day in 2014. Cartwright endured a lot of loss in her life, starting with a baby sister when she was 5 years-old. In 1996, she lost her husband to an alcohol fueled car wreck , and her mother died of an accidental overdose in 2010. By then, she was paralyzed with grief.
Familiar with loss, Cartwright has become dedicated to bringing support to those who have suffered like her and enlightening others to the realities of bereavement.