The Unspoken Realities of Grief: What Movies and Media Don’t Tell You

Movies and the media strongly influence how we perceive the world. We often internalize these perceptions and much of the information presented in films and other media without realizing it. Although possible, the likelihood of someone finding their true love a week after losing a loved one is slim. And although a large windfall sum from a lost relative might make a great plot for a film, it’s not the reality most of us live in. Even if it were to happen, the movies and media still fail to convey that grieving takes time.

Grief Doesn’t Come In Neat Stages

Experts and therapists often discuss the 5 Stages of Grief, but it’s important to understand that these stages aren’t simply a one-time experience where you go through them and then you’re done. A notable illustration of this rapid progression through grief can be seen in a sketch from the animated show “Robot Chicken.” The scenario in the sketch involves a giraffe facing potential death and proceeds to show him going through the stages of grief in rapid succession. The reality of the grieving process is not as swift as depicted nor is it such a tidy progression of emotion. It’s often a messy road with plenty of twists and switchbacks, returning to previous stages, and climbing back out again.

Grief May Trigger A Chain Reaction

Grief is often portrayed differently in Hollywood films compared to real life. The truth is that grieving can be incredibly draining. People experiencing loss may undergo significant changes in their daily habits, such as sleeping or eating more or less, which can disrupt their usual way of life. As a result, they may struggle to keep up with work or other vital responsibilities. Tthe dynamics within family’s homes and their social circles may also shift as a result of the person’s passing. This all spirals into changes in events, like holiday dinners, and traditions. It’s crucial for everyone involved to be mindful of these adjustments and be prepared to adapt.

People May Avoid You During The Grieving Period

Some individuals are naturally more empathetic than others. Those who possess a high level of empathy may attempt to lift your spirits with words of encouragement. However, navigating grief can be delicate, and well-intentioned words may inadvertently cause distress. You might notice that specific topics become more emotionally charged for you, leading to increased feelings of anger or sadness. Those close to you might keep their distance during this period. Please, don’t feel disheartened; it’s common for people to feel uneasy when confronted with the raw emotions of grief.

Time Doesn’t Heal, It Just Moves On

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Time heals all wounds.” It’s been fed to us in movies and television shows for decades. However, that line isn’t very accurate, is it? Time does not heal our wounds because the pain of a lost loved one or divorce never really goes away completely. Time only marches on.

Conclusion

The media and film industry feeds us a lot of false narratives when it comes to grief. They may breeze through the whole process of grief like it’s nothing, but the reality is that grief isn’t pretty. People who were once close to you may avoid you for a while. You may undergo a chain reaction of changes while all this is happening. But you will make it through.

This isn’t a process that you should go through alone. Grief counseling is a valuable tool during the process of letting go and moving on. If you would like to learn more about grief and how it affects you, feel free to contact me.