Understanding and Managing Grief, May 28 - June 3, 2023

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

When someone you know and love tells you they have been diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like a scary and shocking surprise. How you respond to them can either make them feel worse, which is not the intention, of course, or it can make them feel comforted and supported.  Finding the Right Words: When Someone You Know is Diagnosed with Cancer « Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Researchers at the University of Arizona studied the impact of grief on heart function and found that severe grief can cause a marked rise in blood pressure. The findings suggest that grief could be a risk factor for cardiac events. Grief can increase risk of heart problems, study finds « Medical Xpress

We may grieve someone we have never met because they mirrored something we longed for within ourselves. Unfortunately, people can often dismiss others’ grief over the loss of someone they’ve never met, not understanding how that grief can run so deep. Grieving Tina Turner’s Passing « Psychology Today

When a loved one receives the devastating diagnosis of a life-threatening disease, the heartbreaking news can cause panic, depression and a feeling of hopelessness. However, palliative care helps the patient and family navigate life-threatening diseases in the most caring way possible. Why palliative care is crucial when terminal illness strikes « Roodepoort Record

According to grief counselors, scheduling time to grieve can provide the space necessary to feel and engage with your emotions, which can be a key piece of working through and managing them. Grief Experts Say It’s a Really Good Idea To Schedule Your Grief « Well+Good

Far too often, the way in which one tries to offer comfort in words, silence, or actions can unintentionally add pain to the other’s grief. We have to be aware of not inhibiting healthy grief and understand what it takes to allow others to grieve well—and us too. COMMENTARY: 3 ways the church misunderstands grief « Kentucky Today

The notion that the first year of grief is the hardest, and the time when support is needed most, is a common misconception. There is nothing magical about getting through that first year without the physical presence of your loved one ~ it simply means that you’ve managed to get through your first four seasons of grief, with all its special days. Grief In The Second Year: "Harder And More Painful Now" « Grief Healing

Grief can be lifelong and different for each person. Its emotions are widely variable, with a more circular than linear process. The process fluctuates based on a person's experience of loss. Experiencing Grief on One's Own Terms « Psychology Today

Originally designated as a day “to cherish tenderly the memory of our heroic dead,” Memorial Day is held on the last Monday of May each year. The holiday offers us a great opportunity to recognize and honor the sacrifice of these dedicated service members and their families. Making the Most of Memorial Day « Grief Healing

Your feedback is welcome! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question, or share a tip, a related article or a resource of your own in the Comments section below. If you’d like Grief Healing Blog updates delivered right to your inbox, you’re cordially invited to subscribe to our weekly Grief Healing Newsletter. Sign up here.