National Grief Awareness Day: What to Know and How to Support

Anyone who has lost someone or something that mattered deeply knows how overwhelming grief can be. It can stir intense sadness, guilt, anger and confusion, turning daily life upside down and making it hard to feel “normal” again.

Every year on August 30, National Grief Awareness Day highlights the importance of recognizing grief, learning how it affects mental health, and offering better support to people who are grieving.

Below you’ll find an overview of National Grief Awareness Day, what grief looks like, how it affects mental and physical health, practical ways to help a grieving person, and options for professional support.

Introduction to National Grief Awareness Day

National Grief Awareness Day was launched in 2014 by grief educator Angie Cartwright after she experienced multiple personal losses and dedicated herself to raising awareness and providing guidance about grief. The day encourages open, compassionate conversation and education about loss.

Major mental health organizations and suicide-prevention groups acknowledge this observance and use it as an opportunity to promote resources and public discussion about coping with loss.

Understanding grief

Grief is the deep emotional response to a significant loss, most often the death of someone loved. It is a natural human reaction but can be complex, varying widely between people and over time. Grief can involve a mix of emotional, cognitive and physical reactions that ebb and flow.

Stages of grief

Grief is rarely linear. The classic five stages, introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, describe common reactions but not everyone experiences them in the same order or intensity. These stages include:

• Denial: Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss or temporarily avoiding the full emotional impact.
• Anger: Frustration or resentment toward circumstances, medical providers, others, or even oneself.
• Bargaining: Ruminating on “what if” scenarios or wishing for a different outcome and imagining deals with a higher power.
• Depression: Intense sadness, withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
• Acceptance: Not forgetting or becoming “fine” with the loss, but finding a way to live with it and function in daily life.

Types of grief

Grief can take several forms, and recognizing the type can help guide support and treatment:

• Anticipatory grief: Grief experienced before an expected death, common in terminal illness or long decline.
• Complicated grief: Prolonged, intense grief that interferes with normal functioning and may require professional help; it can overlap with depression or post-traumatic stress.
• Disenfranchised grief: Grief that is overlooked or minimized by others—such as the loss of a pet, a miscarriage, or a relationship that others don’t recognize—which can leave the bereaved feeling isolated.

Ways to observe National Grief Awareness Day

This day is an opportunity to increase empathy and provide practical support. Consider these meaningful ways to participate:

• Attend or host educational events: Workshops and seminars led by mental health professionals can provide tools for coping and resources for families, caregivers and communities.
• Share awareness online: Use social media thoughtfully to share educational content, personal stories or memorials that destigmatize grief and encourage conversation.
• Reflect and journal: Set aside time to process your own losses through writing, art, or quiet reflection. If you’ve been delaying seeking help, use this day to explore therapy or support groups.

How therapy can help with grief

Therapy offers a safe environment to express painful emotions and develop coping strategies. A therapist who specializes in grief can help you work through complex feelings and learn practical skills for managing day-to-day life.

The importance of acknowledging grief

Suppressing grief can prolong suffering. Acknowledging and processing grief—rather than hiding it—allows for healthier adaptation and healing. Therapy provides structure and support for that work.

Emotional and physical effects of unacknowledged grief

Unprocessed grief can contribute to long-term emotional distress, depression, or physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, stomach upset, chest tightness, dizziness, muscle tension and fatigue. Addressing grief early can reduce these symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Therapies that can help

Several evidence-based approaches are effective for grief, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Support groups and group therapy can also offer connection and shared understanding.

The intersection of grief and mental health

Grief can trigger new mental health symptoms or worsen existing conditions. Combining grief-focused therapy with treatment for depression, anxiety or other disorders provides a more complete approach, allowing both grief and related mental health issues to be addressed together.

Supporting someone who is grieving

When supporting a grieving friend or family member, compassion and presence matter most. Practical tips include:

• Be available: Let them know you are there to listen and support without forcing conversation.
• Listen actively: Offer attentive, nonjudgmental listening rather than quick solutions or platitudes.
• Validate their emotions: Remind them that a wide range of emotions is normal and that grieving takes time.
• Offer practical help: Help with meals, chores, childcare or errands to ease everyday burdens during a difficult time.
• Be patient: Grief has no set timetable. Allow the person to move at their own pace without pressure to “move on.”

Lesser-known aspects of grief

Grief can look very different depending on age, culture and the ways we stay connected today.

Grief in children and adolescents

Children often express grief through behavior rather than language—clinginess, regressive behaviors, tantrums, physical complaints, sleep problems, nightmares or increased questioning about death. Teens may withdraw, act out, or see changes in school performance. Adults should watch for behavior changes and offer age-appropriate support and reassurance.

Cultural differences in grieving practices

Cultural and religious traditions shape how people mourn. Some cultures encourage open displays of emotion, while others favor private or ritualized observance. There is no single correct way to grieve; understanding cultural context helps us offer respectful support.

The impact of social media on grieving

Social media can create supportive communities and preserve memories, but it can also deliver unwanted reminders—memories, tagged photos or notifications—that may be painful. Individuals should manage their settings and boundaries to protect their mental health as they grieve.

Finding professional grief support

If grief feels overwhelming or is interfering with daily life, consider seeking a qualified grief therapist or a bereavement support group. Professional care can help you process loss, reduce physical and emotional symptoms, and begin to rebuild a meaningful life after loss.