Grief Bursts and How to Prevent One

A grief burst is a “perfectly normal experience” after losing a loved one. A grief burst is just that… a burst of sadness and sorrow triggered by the sight of something, a song, something you read, or by a memory. When you experience a grief burst, you may cry, have an overwhelming feeling of sadness, or feel as though you are moving slowly through a thick, dense fog. This is normal. Having said that, people need to know their bodies too, and they should seek medical attention if they are at all alarmed by any physical or emotional experiences they may be having.

The difficulty with a grief burst is that it is not predictable. Nor can one control it. It just happens. One second you may be driving down the street and a song will come on the radio that triggers a memory of you and a loved one. Before you know it, you are pulled over on the side of the road crying uncontrollably. This can happen for weeks, months or years after a loved one’s death.

How can you prevent grief bursts from happening? You can’t.

You can only prepare yourself to know that it WILL happen and when it does, give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel and allow it to pass. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed. You have not done anything wrong. You are experiencing grief. The journey is both unpredictable and confusing.

Remember this… you are not alone. Others have experienced similar responses and are willing to be there for you. Reach out to someone for support.