National Grief Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Grief

National Day of Mourning is observed on 30 August to raise awareness of the myriad ways in which individuals contend with loss. It provides resources for those experiencing personal loss and reminds us to be there for those we know who are grieving. National Grief Awareness Day was established by Angie Cartwright in 2014 with the intention of promoting open communication about loss and bereavement and educating the general public about the realities of grief.

The background of National Grief Awareness Day

Grief is one of humanity’s earliest and most enduring experiences. If you have not yet experienced grief, it is probable that you will. The term ‘grief’ encompasses all of the emotions surrounding a loss, whereas’mourning’ is the outward manifestation of the suffering. The term ‘bereavement’ is also frequently used to describe sorrow. There have been numerous attempts to describe and treat grief throughout human history, and they have evolved considerably over time.

Grief is comprehended quite differently today than it was even a century ago, due in part to our vastly enhanced physical and mental healthcare. This has rarely been the case throughout history, despite the fact that we often have the privilege (and for some, the expectation) of only losing our loved ones when they are at a mature old age, comfortable, and surrounded by family. Lack of modern transportation frequently separated loved ones, conflicts ravaged populations, and inadequate medical and sanitation knowledge resulted in an excessive number of premature deaths. Throughout history, deaths of loved ones have been considerably more frequent, and mourning has been understood in a variety of ways.

Burials, frequently in family groups, occur all over the globe. In many cultures, family and friends honour the deceased by attending funerals or certain forms of wakes. Although mourning customs varied from culture to culture, these aspects of the ritual are frequently maintained.

Due in part to the frequency of mortality and grief, the topic was not adequately researched or addressed until the early 20th century. In 1917, the renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud opined that “grieving is a natural process that should not be interfered with.” This effectively captures the sentiment: grief is a natural part of existence that requires no special attention. As the century progressed, however, interest in grief and its phases increased.

In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross published “On Death and Dying,” her renowned and influential book on death and dying. Under the title ‘The Kübler-Ross Method,’ the book described the ‘Five Stages of Grief,’ of which many are now aware. This was readily accepted, and for years, grief was managed according to a distinct timeline. In 1981, Simon Shimshon Rubin proposed the Two Track Model of Bereavement in an effort to further explain the phenomenon. From 1996 to 2006, however, significant progress was made in comprehending grief as something that resists strict and chronological definition. In the 2000s, a more fluid understanding of grief has come to be understood and addressed, particularly as a multifaceted and complex issue.

National Grief Awareness Day: Wishes, Quotes, Greetings

5 essential facts about grief

Grief is the internal suffering associated with loss, whereas mourning is the external expression of that pain and often serves to facilitate grief.

Losing a loved one is traumatic enough, but those in mourning frequently must also deal with secondary losses, such as loss of financial security or loss of shelter.

While professionals have identified common stages of grief, it is possible and even common for those experiencing grief to skip steps entirely, experience multiple reactions simultaneously, or progress backward through stages.

Grief response is commonly referred to as “grief-work”; the physical and emotional toll of grief has a profound impact on the lives of those experiencing it, so self-care is essential throughout.

Sadly, many individuals who have suffered a loss report that grief, in one form or another, persists throughout their entire lifetimes. Similar to numerous other mental disorders, it can recur with differing degrees of severity for years.-

NATIONAL GRIEF AWARENESS DAY DATES