How Do You Cope With Grief

So, let’s talk about the silent weight of grief—especially as it surfaces during the holiday season when everyone else seems to be celebrating…

Coping with grief is a deeply personal experience that’s often misunderstood by many. Contrary to others’ belief, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. It is a highly individualized process that for a lot of people, moving forward happens differently.

Unfortunately, this often goes unacknowledged, leading some individuals to feel pressured to move on quickly. This is because, as those around them may suggest, others seem to have already done so.

But regardless of intent, it shouldn’t be like that. There shouldn’t be a shot clock dictating how long one has to—or not to—grieve.

That’s why in this episode, we’ll cover how grief impacts each of us uniquely, why it's okay to still feel the weight of loss long after others have moved on, and why moving forward doesn’t mean leaving our memories or feelings behind.

Whether you find yourself navigating grief or supporting a loved one who is, this episode serves as a reminder that people should be allowed to cope with grief—at their own pace.

Why you need to check this episode:

- Learn how grief impacts us differently and why there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to processing loss;

- Understand the complexities of grieving for someone with dementia, where the loss is emotional and mental rather than physical; and

- Recognize the importance of allowing yourself to cope without pressure or a timeline, embracing grief as an evolving experience

“I want us to understand that coping with the grief isn't a death sentence. It is something that we are allowed to move forward with, it is something that we are allowed to have to live with us, and it is something that we're allowed to not have a shot clock. The shot clock can be turned off when it comes time to grief.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

Quotes:

“There [are] no books out there that says what's the appropriate time that we should be getting over things. We have to understand that for a lot of people, getting over things is going to happen in different ways.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“Whether it be talking with a good support system like a friend or family member, or if you have access to talk with a counselor, there's certain systems, certain processes, certain ways that we can kind of help people move through all of these stages…That way may not be a one size fits all…but understand that there is a route.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“If you're coping with it and you're living with it and you're moving forward with it, we're going in the right direction. But if it's debilitating, if it's handicapping, [or] if it's making it so that you can't do the things you need to do, this is when I think you need some help.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“I don't want the grief to succumb. I want us to be able to cope with it, live with it, and move forward with it.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Mentions:

• How to Deal with the Unexpected with Niesia Garza, LCSW
• Grief and Dementia Together with Niesia Garza MSW, LCSW
• Niesia Garza, LCSW

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