Finding Strength: Understanding & Observing National Grief Awareness Day

No one plans for grief. Despite our best efforts, this human experience touches all of us at some point, and it’s often overwhelming, complex, and deeply personal. That's why National Grief Awareness Day is so important, especially for behavioral health practitioners who work with grieving individuals on a regular basis. 

What Is National Grief Awareness Day?

National Grief Awareness Day is a time to raise awareness regarding the often-hidden struggles that come with grief. It’s about acknowledging that grief is more than just a feeling — it’s a complex range of emotions that can affect every part of our lives. Observed each year on August 30th, this day is a reminder to recognize the importance of support and resources for anyone who is grieving.

Whether your patient (or someone they know) is dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job, or a cherished dream, this day encourages empathy and understanding.

For behavioral health practitioners, it's a good opportunity to re-evaluate their clinic's grief services and optimize tools to help them focus on clients rather than operations.

Managing Grief-Related Mental Health Issues

Grief doesn’t just affect emotions; it can impact physical health, too. Your patients might notice physical symptoms like changes in weight, tension in their body, or difficulties with sleep without connecting these symptoms to grief. In fact, they may tell you they feel 'fine.'

Take time to educate your patients on grief, such as understanding that grief can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression, even anger. Whether they recognize they are grieving or not, it’s crucial that they prioritize psychological health during times of loss.

Remove the Stigma Around Behavioral Health

Remind them that grieving is a perfectly valid reason to connect with a behavioral health professional, even if they don't have a mental health diagnosis. Getting guidance and coping strategies to help them manage their grief effectively, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Observing National Grief Awareness Day: Practicing Self-Care and Seeking Help

Self-care is a must when it comes to navigating grief. More than just a buzzword, self-care is an essential tactic for maintaining and improving mental health, especially during challenging times like grief.

Encourage your behavioral health patients to take time for activities that nurture their well-being and provide a sense of comfort and relaxation. This supports emotional resilience and enhances their overall mental health, making it easier to overcome the looming hurdle of grief. 

You probably have many great self-care tips for your patients, but here are some ideas that may or may not be on your list:

• Cooking or baking: Prepare a favorite meal or try out a new recipe. Cooking or baking is a creative and satisfying activity that brings joy.
• Creative expression: Engage in creative activities like painting, drawing, or crafting. Creative expression is a powerful way to process and release emotions.
• Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Whether it's a gentle yoga session, a brisk walk, or a more intense workout, exercise can help improve mood and reduce tension.
• Journaling: Write about your thoughts and feelings. Journaling can provide a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions and reflecting on your journey.
• Learning something new: Take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Engaging in new activities that interest you can provide a positive distraction and sense of accomplishment.
• Listening to music: Create playlists of your favorite music or soothing sounds. Music is a powerful emotional healer and can help lift your spirits.
• Meditation and mindfulness: Practice meditation or mindfulness exercises to help center yourself and reduce stress. Apps and guided sessions are convenient and easy-to-access.
• Reading: Find solace in a good book. Reading can offer an escape and provide comfort through relatable stories or valuable self-help content.
• Spending time in nature: Connect with the outdoors. Nature walks, gardening, or simply sitting outside can provide relaxation and a sense of peace. 

Also, be sure to set an example by taking time out for your own self-care. As the saying goes, "You can't pour from an empty cup!"

Professional Support for Behavioral Health Practitioners

As a behavioral health professional, you can observe National Grief Awareness Day by taking time to reflect on your own experiences with grief. Remember loved ones you’ve lost and participate in activities that honor their memory.

Have you fully processed your own grief? The 'caretakers' of the world are often so busy helping others, they neglect their own mental and physical health. Consider reaching out for professional support yourself.

Helping Patients Cope With Loss Through Support Groups

During the grieving process, online behavioral health therapy can be an attractive option for those who aren't ready to face the outside world just yet. While some patients may want to spend time at home or alone in nature, others may find comfort in groups.

Participating in grief support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding for patients who are grieving loved ones or have experienced recent personal losses. Consider offering grief support groups if you aren't already doing so. Creating a space for patients to connect with others who are grieving can also:

• Provide the comfort of knowing they aren't alone
• Allow them to share and learn coping strategies
• Give them a sense of purpose, even if it's just showing up to sessions

Consider laying some ground rules regarding the group, such as avoiding judgment about the way others are handling grief or offering unsolicited advice. It may seem counterintuitive to those not trained in behavioral health, but simply deep listening and a comforting presence can make all the difference.

On National Grief Awareness Day, think about patients you know who may be grieving and offer the genuine presence and support of a group, allowing them to grieve in their own time and way while also connecting with others who are on their unique grief journey.

Give Your Behavioral Health Practice the Gift of Time

For behavioral health professionals, National Grief Awareness Day reminds us of the importance of understanding and supporting those who are grieving, but often the operational and administrative demands can prevent clinics from offering the full array of services they'd like.

That's why using the right tools for your practice is so crucial. By saving time on the administrative side, you gain the time and energy needed to provide the right support to your patients as they process the complex emotions involved when experiencing grief. With ClinicTracker’s Clinical Appointment Scheduling tool, you can streamline your scheduling for support groups and patient appointments. This tool helps with:

• Scheduling groups: Easily manage and coordinate group sessions for grief support
• Patient groups: Organize patient groups for collective support and engagement
• Easy paperwork registration: Simplify registration through the patient portal, reducing administrative burden

Give yourself the gift of time to focus on what truly matters — providing compassionate care and support to those in need, especially those who are grieving.