Hey there, beautiful souls! Welcome to Mental Health Monarchs' Coping with Grief group!
I wanted to take a moment to talk about something significantly important – the fact that grief affects each and every one of us differently. We’re all on unique journeys, and it’s crucial to remember that there’s no right or wrong way to grieve.
Grief can hit us in unexpected ways. For some, it’s a wave of intense emotions that comes and goes. For others, it’s a constant, dull ache. Some might find themselves crying often, while others may feel numb or struggle to express their emotions at all. And guess what? All of these responses are perfectly valid!
Here’s what we need to keep in mind:
Individual Journeys: Your grief is your own. It’s shaped by your experiences, relationship with what you’ve lost, and personal coping mechanisms. No one else can walk in your shoes or feel exactly what you’re feeling.
No Comparison: It’s easy to look at someone else and think, “They seem to be handling this better than I am,” or, “Why am I not over this yet?” But comparing our grief to others only adds unnecessary pressure. Let’s focus on our own healing instead.
Judgment-Free Zone: In this group, we honor and respect each other’s journeys. There’s no room for judgment here. Whether you cry every day or haven’t shed a tear, talk about it constantly, or keep to yourself – it’s all okay.
Support Over Judgment: Instead of judging, let’s support each other. Listen with empathy, share without criticism, and offer a shoulder to lean on. We’re in this together, and we’re stronger together.
Express Yourself: Feel free to express your grief in whatever way feels right to you. Write, talk, create art, or simply sit in silence. This is your safe space to be exactly who you are now.
Remember, grief is a deeply personal experience. There’s no timeline, guidebook, or “correct” way to get through it. Let’s commit to being kind to ourselves and each other as we navigate this journey. We’re here to lift each other up, not tear each other down.
With love and understanding,
Jerusalem Brown (bka - Bishop Butterscotch)