Discover What is Holding You Back from Grief Support

You might be surprised by the factors that could be holding you back from seeking grief support. Let’s explore some common barriers to starting your healing journey. Do any of these resonate with you?

1. Stigma and Shame

Cultural or personal beliefs about seeking help for emotional issues can create a sense of shame or stigma, making it difficult for you to reach out for support.

• Example: Believing that seeking help for grief is a sign of weakness or that you should be able to handle it on your own because that's what your family or community believes.

2. Fear of Judgment

Concerns about being judged by others for not coping well on your own can prevent you from seeking help.

• Example: Worrying that friends or colleagues will think less of you if they find out you are seeing external support for your grief.

3. Misunderstanding Grief

Believing that grief is something you should handle on your own or that it will just go away with time can keep you from seeking support.

• Example: Thinking that it's been a year since your loss and you should have “moved on” by now without needing help.

4. Feeling Overwhelmed

The intensity of your emotions might make the idea of seeking help seem overwhelming or exhausting.

• Example: Feeling so consumed by sadness and fatigue that the thought of finding and attending a support group or working with a grief coach seems impossible.

5. Minimizing Your Grief

Comparing your grief to others and thinking that your loss is not significant enough to warrant support can hold you back.

• Example: Believing that because your loss was of a pet and not a person, it isn't important enough to seek help for.

6. Lack of Awareness

Not knowing what resources are available or how to access them can be a barrier to seeking support.

• Example: Being unaware that there are local grief support groups,  online communities, and grief specialists who could help you.

7. Previous Negative Experiences

If you've had a bad experience with seeking help in the past, it can make you hesitant to try again.

• Example: Having previously attended a support group that you found unhelpful or felt judged in, making you reluctant to seek similar support again.

8. Emotional Numbness

Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected can make it difficult to reach out for support, as you might not feel like anything will help.

• Example: Experiencing a lack of feelings or motivation to do anything, including seeking help, because you feel detached from your emotions.

9. Fear of Vulnerability

Opening up about your feelings and experiencing vulnerability can be daunting and might deter you from seeking support.

• Example: Being afraid of crying or showing emotions in front of strangers in a support group.

10. Financial Constraints

Concerns about the cost of therapy or support services can be a significant barrier.

• Example: Wanting to see a therapist or a grief coach but worrying about the expense.

11. Belief in Self-Reliance

A strong belief in handling problems independently can make it difficult to seek external help.

• Example: Feeling that you should manage your grief on your own without relying on others because that's how you've always dealt with problems.

Taking the First Step

Understanding these barriers is the first step in addressing them. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are many forms of support available—from professional coaching or therapy to peer support groups and online communities. Taking even a small step toward seeking support can make a significant difference in your healing journey.

Partner with Me for a Transformative Grief Journey

As a dedicated grief coach, I work collaboratively with you to navigate your grief and manage distressing aspects of your experience. Together, we will develop both emotional support and practical strategies to help you find peace and resilience.

Are you ready to begin your journey toward healing? Contact me today at the link below to schedule your free consultation call. 

Share the Support

I’m grateful you’re here. Please share this post with grieving dear ones in your life. Together, we can create a softer, more compassionate world for people in grief.

For additional support, download my free grief guide: How to Support Grieving People (Including Yourself) at the link below.

Sending You Love and Care

Your grief is valid, no matter when your heartbreak occurred.