The Weight of the World: Grief and Global Events
It took a few days to post on this topic because any talk of political issues has been uncomfortable for the last several years, even when it is meant to be neutral and beneficial to all. However, I feel it is important to discuss the grief that many people are feeling as a result of recent global events (wars, elections, etc.)
The current global landscape can feel like a minefield of divisive rhetoric, inflammatory opinions, and seemingly insurmountable challenges. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even experience a sense of grief as we witness events unfold that conflict with our values, beliefs, or hopes for the future. This grief can manifest in various ways, from sadness and anger to feelings of helplessness and despair.
Recognizing Grief:
We typically associate grief with the death of a loved one. But grief is a natural response to any significant loss, and that includes the loss of safety, security, or a sense of normalcy. Global events can shatter these feelings, leaving us grieving for a world that feels lost. Grief in this context might look different than the grief we experience after the loss of a loved one. It can present as:
Disillusionment and cynicism: A loss of faith in the political process or institutions.
Moral injury: Distress caused by witnessing or perpetrating acts that violate one's moral code.
Anxiety and fear: Worry about the future and the impact of global decisions on oneself and loved ones.
Social isolation: Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities due to differing political views.
Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels.
Coping with Grief When Matters Feel Beyond Our Control:
While we may not be able to single-handedly change the world, there are steps we can take to manage our grief and prioritize our mental health:
Acknowledge your feelings: Don't dismiss or suppress your emotions. Allow yourself to grieve and process what you're experiencing. Your feelings are valid, even if others don't understand them. Don't let dismissive comments undermine your experience.
Limit exposure: Reduce your consumption of news and social media if it's causing you distress. Set boundaries and take breaks.
Connect with others: Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Sharing your feelings with others who understand can be validating and helpful.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself during difficult times. Remember that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and to take things one day at a time.
Practice mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present moment. Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help calm anxiety and reduce stress.
Find healthy outlets: Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you release emotions. Exercise, creative pursuits, spending time in nature, and connecting with loved ones can all be beneficial.
Respecting Boundaries and Tolerating Disrespect:
Navigating conversations with those who hold differing views can be challenging, especially when grief is involved. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the impact of global events on mental health. You might encounter people who dismiss your feelings or tell you to "just get over it." Here are some tips to help you maintain your mental well-being while interacting with others:
Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries with people who are not respecting our need to grieve. This may mean limiting our contact with them or avoiding certain topics of conversation. It's okay to decline conversations that may be triggering or harmful.
Practice compassion: Remember that everyone is dealing with a variety of things in their own way. Try to be compassionate and understanding, even when others are not.
Find common ground: Look for areas of agreement or shared values. Focusing on commonalities can help bridge divides and build understanding.
Disengage when necessary: If a conversation becomes disrespectful or unproductive, it's okay to walk away. Prioritize your mental health and don't feel obligated to engage in every debate (especially on social media).
Lead by example: Model respectful behavior and communication, even when others don't reciprocate. This can help create a more positive and tolerant environment.
Focus on the positive: It is easy to get caught up in negativity, but make time to focus on the positive things in your life.
Take action: If you are feeling up to it, there are many things you can do to make a difference. You can volunteer for a cause you believe in, donate to a charity, or simply reach out to someone who is struggling.
Remember, it is okay to not be okay. Please be kind to yourself and others. Be patient, it will take time to heal from the global divisions and trauma that grew over the past few years. In time, we can come together and create a more positive future for all.