Grief Share: Why Sharing Your Grief Helps You Heal
Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Every time I’ve experienced loss in my own life – from losing my grandmother right after the new year, to losing my mother-in-law after the birth of my daughter – I realized how much I had been conditioned to “stay strong” and “keep busy.”
But it wasn’t until I opened up and shared my grief that I truly started healing.
When you share your grief—whether in a support group, with loved ones, or in a trusted community—you open yourself to healing in ways that private suffering never can.
Talking about loss, being heard, and connecting with others who understand can make you feel less alone.
6 Myths That Stop People from Sharing Their Grief
Many people hesitate to talk about their grief because of these common misconceptions:
1️⃣ “Don’t feel bad” – But grief is a natural response to loss, and it can come with a full range of emotions. It’s appropriate to experience them all! Feeling deeply is part of healing.
2️⃣ “Replace the loss” – Trying to move on with someone or something new often delays us from processing or navigating the grief from the initial loss. Give each loss the space it deserves before moving forward into something new.
3️⃣ “Grieve alone” – This comes out sometimes like “oh, i’m a mess, i can’t go out now, or i cant talk now.” or “I don’t want to be a burden to others.” But it’s actually being around others and having your experience witnessed that is most helpful in healing and makes the journey less lonely.
4️⃣ “It just takes time” – Healing is about what you do with time, not just waiting for pain to fade.
5️⃣ “Be strong for others” – True strength is allowing yourself to feel and share your emotions.”.
6️⃣ “Keep busy” –While this can help in small doses, continually avoiding emotions only prolongs grief.
How to Share Your Grief & Find Support
💬 Join a Grief Support Group
Finding a “grief share” group—whether in person or online—connects you with others who understand your pain. Talking with people on a similar journey reminds you that you’re not alone.
❤️ Open Up to Loved Ones
Friends and family may not always know what to say, but they often want to support you. Let them in by sharing memories, emotions, or simply asking for company.
📝 Express Grief Through Writing
Journaling, writing letters to your lost loved one, or even posting in an online grief forum can help process emotions in a safe, reflective way. If you're not sure where to start, try these prompts:
What have you been taught about dealing with loss? Reflect on the beliefs or expectations you’ve carried about grief.
Are there any additional grief myths you’ve encountered? Consider whether you’ve felt pressure to grieve in a certain way.
What are some examples of responses or comments that were not helpful? Acknowledging what hasn’t helped can clarify what kind of support you actually need.
🎨 Channel Grief into Creativity
Art, music, and movement can be powerful ways to express what words cannot. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or crafting something meaningful, creativity can be a healing outlet.
🌱 Honor Your Loss Through Action
Volunteering, creating a tribute, or supporting a cause in memory of your loved one can turn pain into purpose.
You’re Not Alone—Let’s Share the Journey
If you’re looking for a space to share your grief, you are in the right place.
As a certified grief counselor and therapist, my company Realness Rising facilitates events throughout the year that provide spaces for people like you and me to come together, share, and process grief in a guided environment.
Check out my Events page to find out about what’s happening.
Remember: You don’t have to carry it alone. ❤️