To navigate grief, don’t avoid it—and seek social support, says expert
One of the most effective ways for people to manage grief is to confront it head on, rather than avoiding their difficult feelings, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Christy Denckla. Seeking social support is another way to boost mental resilience during painful periods, she said.
Denckla, assistant professor of social and behavioral sciences, shared evidence-based tips for handling loss, as well as what led her to become an expert on the topic, on an Oct. 13 episode of the podcast “Living Spree.” Denckla, who directs the Population Wellness Lab, talked about how her own experience of losing her father at a young age propelled her interest in studying the social and contextual factors that influence how we cope and move through traumatic experiences and losses.
The impulse to avoid the negative emotions attached to grief is understandable, but unproductive, said Denckla. “Sitting with the feelings that come” is the best way to navigate the difficult reality of loss, she said.
Research has shown that when a person is anticipating the loss of a loved one—say, an elderly parent—being willing to discuss difficult topics like advance care planning or end-of-life preferences can increase the odds of a less traumatic response after loss, Denckla said.
She also emphasized the importance of social support during a period of loss, and recommended seeking connection through religious organizations, spiritual communities, or volunteering. “The tendency to withdraw is an important part of recovery and healing,” she acknowledged. “But there’s of course also the need to engage again.”
Listen to the Living Spree episode: Navigating Grief and Building Resilience
