The purpose of National Grief Awareness Day is to purge a universal stigma that grieving should have a time limit or be viewed as an emotion that should be quickly resolved or dismissed. The aim is to help people be emotionally aware and recognize grief's importance. The day is meant to end the shame that follows those who experience overwhelming emotions inflicted by bereavement or abuse. Do you think National Grief Awareness Day has a positive impact?
When Is National Grief Awareness Day?
Since 2014, the day has been observed on August 30th. Angie Cartwright, a woman who lost many loved ones in her life, is the founder of the day, also referred to as National Bereavement Day. She lost her sister at a young age and then lost her husband. A few years later, her mother passed away due to an accidental overdose. Witnessing death and then feeling the pressure from work and social standards to return to normalcy soon after inspired her to speak out against the stigma attached to grief.
How to Participate in National Grief Day
There are numerous ways to participate in the day. Grief Awareness Day encourages people to support others and recognize any personal emotional damage. For instance, being with someone who is struggling with stabilizing their mental health due to intense grief gives you the opportunity to show compassion. More ways to participate include:
- Give a gift
- Crack a joke
- Meditate or pray
- Volunteer or work with animals
- Spend time with friends and family
- Post words of encouragement on social media
- Make and share a video that may relate to others
- Self-care, which includes physical, mental, and emotional regulation
The aim of the day is to desensitize grief and encourage people to take the time they need to grieve. Ignoring emotions, especially sadness, can lead to depressive episodes, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, people tend to turn to drugs like alcohol to cope instead of trying healthier alternatives.
Banyan Boca Recognizes National Grief Awareness Day
At our Boca treatment center, our medical staff prepares a safe environment for individuals to grieve and equip themselves with new coping techniques and skills. From depression treatment to diagnosing mental health disorders like bipolar disorder, we prioritize the needs of our patients. We offer unique therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and more. Don’t wait. Your mental health matters!
Contact a professional at our Boca Behavioral Health Center by calling 888-280-4763 and asking about our residential treatment program to begin the recovery process today!
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