Grief in a Time of Crisis: How We Heal Together

In every corner of our country, grief lingers like smoke after a fire thick, heavy, hard to breathe through. So many of us are mourning mourning loved ones lost to violence, crime, illness, or sudden tragedy. Sometimes, it feels like the pain never ends. If you're reading this and your heart is heavy, I want you to know: you are not alone.

1. Acknowledge the Grief

We live in a time where grief is becoming all too common. We see the names of the lost on the news. We attend funerals too often. Sometimes, we even become numb not because we don’t care, but because it’s all too much. But the first step in healing is acknowledging the pain. Say it out loud. Write it down. Cry if you must. Your grief is real, and it matters.

“Grief is just love with nowhere to go.”

Whether it’s a family member, friend, or even someone you didn't know personally but lost to a tragic event your sadness is valid.

2. Don’t Grieve Alone

Too many people suffer in silence. Culturally, we are sometimes taught to "be strong" or "move on," but the truth is, we need each other. Find a safe space a trusted friend, support group, spiritual advisor, or therapist where you can talk about your feelings without shame.

If you're a person of faith, prayer or meditation can help anchor you. If you're not, even just sitting in silence with someone who understands can be healing.

3. Find Small Ways to Cope

Grief is not a mountain you climb in a straight line. Some days will feel okay; others will knock the wind out of you. That’s normal.

Here are some gentle ways to care for yourself in grief:

• Write letters to the person you lost.

• Take a walk, even just for 10 minutes.

• Listen to music that helps you cry or breathe.

• Light a candle in memory.

• Create art, even if it’s messy.

• Speak their name. Tell their story.

4. Honor Their Life by Living Yours

One of the hardest truths about grief is that life continues. But continuing doesn’t mean forgetting. We carry our loved ones forward by how we live: by showing love, by working for peace, by helping others who hurt.

If your country, like mine, is struggling with crime and violence, maybe your grief can become the seed of something stronger: a call for change, a push for justice, a light for others in the dark.

5. When to Seek Help

There is no shame in asking for professional support. If your grief becomes too heavy if you can’t sleep, can’t eat, or begin to feel hopeless please speak to someone. Counselors, therapists, or even trained helplines can be life-saving.

You are not weak for needing help. You are human.

You Are Not Alone

To anyone grieving right now: I see you. I feel your pain. And I want you to know that healing is possible. It may take time longer than you expect but it will come.

Let’s be gentle with one another. Let’s talk about our grief, not hide it. Let’s remember those we’ve lost, and let’s work toward a country where fewer lives are taken too soon.

May Peace find's you,

A. Sawyer