Why we need to talk about grief

National Grief Awareness Week aims to make grief an easier topic to discuss and to ensure those who have lost loved ones feel they don’t have to suppress their emotions. Here we discuss why we need to normalise grief and start talking about it more.

Grief is something most people encounter at some point throughout their lives, yet the emotional experience of grief still has a stigma attached to it. Although it is a topic of conversation often avoided, we need to normalise grief and get talking to allow ourselves and each other to process these emotions.

It is important to be aware that grief affects everyone in various ways – people can react very differently to loss compared with others. Some may choose to be very expressive with their grief while others may withdraw into themselves.

There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, but it is important to check in with loved ones if they are going through a loss. They may look fine, but on the inside they could be struggling and in need of support and empathy.

Remembering your loved one

Discussing grief can be a helpful way to work through your own emotions, whether this is done in a professional setting, such as with a counsellor, or in a casual setting like talking with a friend.

If you have the courage to speak up, you could share your story of losing a loved one, like Harry and Tim have. Your story could resonate with someone who has been through something similar and give them hope.

If you would like to cherish memories with your loved one in a different way, you could come up with a new personal tradition or alternative ways to remember them – such as putting together special memorabilia, looking back on photos, or meeting up with mutual friends and family. This can help you establish connections and prevent fear and illness caused by suppressed emotions.

Keep in mind that anyone you come across could be experiencing grief, so it is valuable to always be kind. Here are some ideas of how to look out for each other and to start a conversation about grief:

• Check on your neighbours
• Stop for a chat
• Put the kettle on
• Go for a walk and talk

If you are looking for support for yourself or someone you know, please go to The Good Grief Trust for advice and guidance. Or if you would like to support the Charlie Watkins Foundation, please visit our ways to donate page.

If you are a business, you might want to consider becoming a mutual benefit corporate partnership.

We would be so grateful to any support are able to give, thank you.