How to Talk About Death (guest post)

It might seem taboo to talk about death or even inappropriate but in some ways, it is necessary.

Talking about death could help you process how you feel, providing a safe space for you to express emotions, thoughts, and complex feelings. Talking about death in detail is not for everyone, especially for those who prefer to process their emotions on their own.

However, sharing your grief can help you feel less isolated, providing you with an outlet and a space for loved ones to offer support and comfort as you go through the stages of accepting your loss.

For some, this may mean speaking with professionals, such as bereavement counsellors and funeral directors, who can guide you through your next steps as you process your grief.

Verbalising your emotions allows you to create healthy coping mechanisms and build resilience as you navigate your grief.

So here are some steps to approaching talking about death.

Grief is hard to express and it is all too easy to be avoidant, not wishing to entertain uncomfortable feelings, or have the people around you express pity for you.

The overwhelming nature of loss can disrupt daily life, causing changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and struggles with work, family, and friendships. For this reason, it’s essential to talk about grief if you can.

Speaking about it with family and friends allows you to process your emotions, helping you eventually cope and address your feelings, which will encourage you to acknowledge your loss and slowly work on moving forward.

Spending one-on-one time with a close friend or family member provides a space to share how you’re feeling. If you’re not ready to express emotions or lack the words, their company can offer a comforting distraction or a way to experience joy during hard times. However, when you’re ready, sharing your thoughts can be soothing and help you start the healing process.

Professional support can help you cope with your grief and express your emotions in a safe, supportive environment. Bereavement counselling offers a space to share your feelings, provides coping strategies, and allows you to express emotions like anger that you may feel uncomfortable sharing with loved ones. One-on-one, non-judgmental guidance equips you with tools to gradually return to normal life. Whether over the phone or in person, bereavement counselling is invaluable as it aids you in navigating your grief.

Having a confidential space with a professional who provides vital support, understanding, and guidance during this overwhelming time may be what you need to heal in this grieving period.

Joining a grief support group can be comforting, knowing that you are surrounded by people who understand what you are going through. Shared and similar experiences can lead to friendship and companionship during a time when you may feel isolated and in need of connection.

And though, talking about grief in a group might be daunting for you, it can also be encouraging to hear other people’s stories and how they have been managing their grief.

Support groups can be in person or online and tend to run at a specific time like every week or monthly. For those, who are not ready to meet in person, virtual meetings might be beneficial. Having a supportive space can help you cope with your emotions but also provide you with those who can relate and understand how you are feeling, enabling you to be honest about how you are managing your grief.

The group setting also provides an opportunity to learn from others, as members share insights and coping strategies, helping you see that your emotions are valid and normal. Support groups create a safe, empathetic environment that fosters genuine, meaningful connection, understanding, and healing.

Talking about death isn’t easy but it could be helpful to your journey to healing from grieving. Whether you choose to talk to friends, family, strangers or bereavement counsellors, what is important is that you have a safe, non-judgmental place for when you are ready to express how you feel and think. These conversations may also open the door to discussing important topics like funeral plans, so you are equipped when taking your next steps and feel more at ease.

As challenging as it may feel, talking through your grief allows you to process your loss, be comforted and build up resistance over time. Time heals all wounds and having the right support system can make all the difference for when you are ready to take the next step of talking through your grief.