Myths and facts about grief

Myth : The pain will go away faster if you ignore it. Fact : For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actually deal with it.

Myth: It’s important to be strong in the face of loss. Fact: Showing your true feelings is important and normal to overcome grief.

Myth: If you don’t cry, it means you are not sorry about the loss.

Fact : Crying is a normal response to sadness. But those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others and have different ways of showing it.

Myth: Grief should last about a year. Fact: There is no time frame for grieving. It can differ from person to person.

Myth: Moving on with your life means you’re forgetting the one you lost.

Fact: Moving on means you have accepted your loved one’s death. This cannot be construed as forgetting. You can create a new life and still keep your loved one’s memory as a part of you.

Myth: Friends can help by not bringing up the subject.

Fact: People who are grieving usually want and need to talk about their loss. Bringing up the subject can make it easier to talk about.