In what ways might faith and spirituality affect grief?

Question

Can having faith or belonging to a religious community assist individuals in navigating through and coping with the grieving process?

Answer 1

I love your conversations, regarding grief. You’re helping me out.

Answer 2

I like forgetting and detaching sometimes certain people SHOULD NOT BE REMEMBERED !!!

Answer 3

My daughter died suddenly when I was 39 weeks pregnant with her. The grief is overwhelming and earth shattering and then 2 years later, I lost my beloved cat at 18 years old.
It left me with an inability to connect with anyone.

Answer 4

Lost my best friend suddenly almost 4 months ago. It was a complete shock to everyone, she was only 28. It felt like a crime to smile or laugh or to just simply be happy. It’s been a process but I’m learning how to have a relationship with her while she is not earth bound. We weren’t on the best of terms during her passing and I felt so guilty for not being there and allowing something so petty to get between us but I’m starting to forgive myself. I often joke that she didn’t have to pass away to make me get over it. Rest in peace G, I love you.

Answer 5

What a wonderful amount of information on all levels. Thank you!

Answer 6

¡Hola Profe! I am not even going to pretend that I didn't cry throughout the conversation. Time doesn't heal. But every single moment of a miracle called life is a gift. And how and with whom we share this gift and what legacy we will leave is up to us. Thank you for all your hard work and care for all of us.

Answer 7

My little sister died unexpectedly late August, one month later I suffered from foreign object sensation in my eye. 8 months later I am still dealing with eye issues and found out it's my meibomian glands. I went to eye dr yearly all eye health was always fine. We think the stress of her death drove my cortisol levels up so much it affected the oils in my meibomian glands. I'm in misery now and just trying to get off this mgd hamster wheel

Answer 8

I am really grateful!
After the previous episode on loss/grief understanding guided my journey (Dad passed Dec 24)
I remember thinking an episode with Mary Frances would be amazing … and here we are … at exactly the right time
Keep the good work going

Answer 9

Buried my mom's mom on a Monday, my husband passed away that Wednesday, then my dad's mom passed away that Saturday. I was 31 then. 3.6 years later, finding joy in every day, small things. Making muffins for the neighbors, sitting with my kids and just listening. I like the ball in the box concept... at first the ball fills the box... then as time and healing goes on, the ball gets smaller, but when it does hit the edges, that feeling is still there. Forever. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, special moments and accomplishments with my children... my life perspective is forever changed, and it's very hard to take a lot seriously anymore because you can plan... but I'm a believer in fate. Put your best foot forward and do not apologize for the things you need as you grieve. So many opinions. But only you know.

Answer 10

I’m having the same kinds of feelings of grief that she described for my desire for marriage. It’s something I’ve longed for all my life and it hasn’t come to pass. I wanted to be a wife and a mother but it will not happen for me. My grief feels overwhelming.

Answer 11

Time does not ever heal your children being kidnapped. Never. Nightmares never go away.

Answer 12

Thank you for this Andrew!

Answer 13

this is wild… I've spend years trying to manifest my dream life but it never seemed to work for me, I always hoped for a sign that something would finally shift. I believed in manifestation but didn’t know how to make it actually work. Then someone recommended Manifest and Receive by Eva Hartley and it just instantly clicked. The way she explains things, it’s like she’s speaking directly to your soul. That book is the reason I’m living my dream life today. If you’ve been waiting for a breakthrough, this is it❤️❤️

Answer 14

I have lost a daughter, too, she was my only child and the light of my life. It does get easier, it really does. I believe she is here with me, and I hope you too can sense your daughter's presence❤

Answer 15

So well timed… every time

Answer 16

thank you so much!

Answer 17

Please do an episode on Mold Illness and CIRS!

Many people would benefit from this.

Answer 18

What an amazing episode ❤ hope she comes on again!

Answer 19

This is what I think about having a non traditional life and not a partner. So, when you lose your primary attachment figure, grief and death feels especially vulnerable.

Answer 20

Greetings Professor,
This is going to be something enlightening.
Thank you for your hardwork.