Dispelling myths about grief is an essential part of facilitating healing, and The Grief Recovery Method® is an evidence-based approach that can help dispel these myths. Here are a few common myths about grief, along with some insights from The Grief Recovery Method® to help dispel them:
Myth #1: Time heals all wounds.
Fact: Time alone does not heal emotional wounds. In fact, time can often make things worse if the emotional pain is not addressed. The Grief Recovery Method® emphasizes taking action and working through the pain to find healing. If you break your arm do you wait and watch it heal as time goes by? No. You go to the Dr have it assessed and a cast put on it to heal. For a broken heart, you must take action to heal the pain in your heart.
Myth #2: Don’t feel bad.
Fact: Holding in emotions can actually prolong the healing process and make the pain worse. The Grief Recovery Method® encourages individuals to express their emotions and work through them in a healthy way. When you were young and went to your parent or caregiver for help when someone at school was bullying you were you told you “suck it up” or “get over it”? Those messages were not helpful for your broken heart and may have been the start to your life long belief that it’s not safe to express your emotions.
Myth #3: Be strong for others.
Fact: Holding in emotions can actually prolong the healing process and make the pain worse. The Grief Recovery Method® encourages individuals to express their emotions and work through them in a healthy way.
Myth #4: Replace the loss.
Fact: If you have done through a break up of a relationship or if you have ever lost a let did you ever hear “there are plenty of fish in the sea” or “you can get a new dog on Saturday”. Moving on does not mean forgetting or minimizing the importance of the person or thing that was lost. The Grief Recovery Method® encourages individuals to find a new way to live without the person or thing that was lost, while still holding onto the memories and the love.
Myth #5: Grieve Alone
Fact: Others (parents, relatives society) are not comfortable with you sharing your emotions therefore the message is to isolate and be alone. Isolating yourself while grieving is not healthy and leads to more sorrow.
By dispelling these and other myths about grief, The Grief Recovery Method® can help individuals find comfort and support as they navigate the complex emotions of grief. It provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through their pain and hurt, identify and process their emotions, and ultimately come to a place of acceptance and healing.