What Are the Benefits of Expressing Grief?

Expressing grief can prevent isolation and help people to understand their feelings.

Grief shows itself in many forms. Though one of the most obvious causes of grief is the loss of a loved one, grief can also be a reaction to a sudden change in situation. For example, a person might suffer an accident that leaves him in a wheelchair, or perhaps a person separates from his partner. Grieving may be emotionally unpleasant, but expressing that grief -- whether through discussion or through creative activity -- can provide a number of benefits.

Healing Can Start

A person might feel the effects of grief for a long time, but expressing this grief in some form allows the healing process to begin. Unexpressed grief can stay raw for a long time. According to the Stress Center website, a lack of expression could lead to long-term emotional problems.

Ultimately Less Painful

It can be difficult for a person to begin to express grief, because the emotions are raw and hard to confront. But expressing grief over a period of time can help her come to terms with her grief. Eventually, the person may find that expressing her grief makes it easier or less painful to think about.

Prevent Isolation

A person who decides not to express his grief may become distanced from others who might be receptive to such expression. This could ultimately lead to isolation from friends and family, which can damage relationships and affect the feelings of others.

Suppression Affects Well-Being

Bottling up the strong emotions connected to grief may lead to problems with the person's mental and physical health. According to the website of NJ-ACT, the New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, expressing grief increases a person's ability to cope with the situation, ultimately improving her well-being.

Better Understand Feelings

Often a person who expresses grief must confront his feelings toward the situation. For example, a person who has lost a parent might talk to his siblings about the parent; this could open the door to discussing other difficult feelings or issues. The person can better understand his feelings toward the immediate situation and may come to terms with difficulties from the past.

References

• Stress Center: Depression Overview: Grief Counseling
• KidsHealth: Teens: Your Mind: Feelings & Emotions: Death & Grief: People React Emotionally and Physically
• PeaceHealth: Grief and Grieving: What Happens
• NJ-ACT: Expressing Negative Emotions: Healthy Catharsis or Sign of Pathology?