National Grief Awareness Day, observed annually on August 30, helps us acknowledge the impact of grief on individuals and encourages us to support those who are grieving. While grief is a natural part of life, no one has to face it alone.
Understanding Grief
Grief is the deep sadness we feel when something or someone important is lost. Some days may feel unbearably heavy, and that’s completely normal. While the pain may never entirely disappear, it usually eases over time, allowing moments of peace and hope.
Grief isn’t only about death. It can come from losing your health, a sense of safety, future plans, or other meaningful parts of life. All these losses are real, and it’s okay to feel them deeply.
Grief can show up in many ways—sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, or even physical symptoms like fatigue. Everyone experiences it differently. There’s no “right” way or timeline. Be gentle with yourself and allow your emotions to unfold naturally.
Coping with Grief
Grieving after a loss is a tender journey. With time, support, and patience, you will begin to heal, accept the loss, and adjust. Many people notice that grief eases between six months and two years. Fully experiencing grief can eventually allow moments of joy, and sometimes even a sense of strength you didn’t know you had.
Caring for Yourself
During grief, care for both your body and your heart. Eat well, stay active, and limit alcohol or other drugs, which can make emotions harder to manage and slow recovery. Gentle self-care supports healing and balance.
Seeking Help
For some people, adjusting to a loss can be especially difficult, and grief may feel heavier or more persistent. This is sometimes called complicated grief, when sadness doesn’t ease or even grows stronger over time.
If you’re finding it hard to move forward, remember that you don’t have to face this alone. Reaching out for support can provide comfort and guidance. Talking with your family doctor or a mental health professional can help you navigate these feelings and find moments of peace, reassurance, and hope again.
WeSPARK offers free grief support groups and other supportive services to help you navigate your difficult journey.
The WeSPARK Cancer Support Center, located in Sherman Oaks, offers free workshops, classes, and individual services for cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. Be sure to check our Program Calendar for more information and the most current schedule.