Death and grief rank among the most traumatic events a person can experience. Recent statistics indicate that life expectancy in the USA has been declining for several years, and more people are being affected by the loss of loved ones. Grief significantly disrupts the “assumptive world” – the network of planned moments and shared milestones such as accomplishments, the raising of children and grandchildren, and the companionship of a partner – all of which suddenly become inaccessible after a loss.

The impact of grief can be measured using tools such as the Impact of Events Scale, which assesses changes in thinking, sleeping, flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, and behavior. Tracking these symptoms can help gauge a person’s progress during recovery.

It is crucial for someone experiencing loss to seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention can promote the brain’s healing processes; research shows that traumatic memories are stored as discrete points of disturbance and remain fragmented for up to six months. Addressing these memories soon after trauma may help prevent the onset of severe mental illness.

Encouragingly, recent findings indicate that among young people, substance abuse rates are declining—a positive trend given that substances are sometimes used as a coping mechanism. In the context of Internal Family Systems theory, substance abuse can be viewed as an attempt to “drown out” the strong impact of negative emotions.

In summary, timely support is essential. Taking time away from daily stressors to work through grief—whether through therapy, support groups, or self-care practices—is crucial. For instance, EMDR therapy has proven to be very effective in treating grief and loss. By helping clients become more mindful and reconnect with the present, EMDR enables them to process traumatic memories and gradually move toward living fully again.