Aids and Things That Shouldn't: A Guide
Grief, a harrowing and often solitary journey, need not be. According to grief counselor Chris Paul, the turn towards healthy support and empathetic understanding can make all the difference. In an interview with the health magazine "Apotheken Umschau" (Issue 5B/2025), Paul highlighted the importance of being there for those navigating grief.
Many people, Paul noted, feel uncertain about how best to offer comfort. "One fears saying or doing something wrong," she explained. Paul's advice is simple: aid without expectation. "Be present, listen, talk - it's normal."
A common misconception surrounding grief is the notion that it necessitates detachment. However, as Paul points out, maintaining a connection with the deceased can foster healing. Numerous studies have shown that many individuals find solace in preserving mementos, rituals, or memories of the departed. These connections aid in striking a balance between accepting loss and continuing the journey of life.
For the bereaved, maintaining a spiritual or sentimental bond with the deceased can provide comfort, help preserve memories, and support the processing of complex emotions. Writing, sharing stories, or creative expression are all means of honoring the deceased and working through the pain of loss. Making space for these connections facilitates emotional acceptance and growth, ultimately aiding in the healing process.
In light of the insights shared by grief counselor Chris Paul, to help those experiencing grief, science-based therapies and treatments can be employed alongside health-and-wellness practices to foster mental health. Encouraging funerary rites, like preserving mementos, engaging in rituals, or creatively expressing memories, can serve as significant tools for grief management and healing, uniting both emotional and sentimental health-and-wellness.
