Death and grief are rarely talked about and will affect us all at some point and yet we are unequipped to handle the rollercoaster of mixed emotions we may experience. Remember death is not the only cause of grief. There are over 40 life events, where something comes to an end or there is a significant change in a familiar pattern of behaviour, which can produce feelings of loss and grief. 

Grief is a multifaceted emotional journey when handling a significant loss. Whether you are dealing with anticipatory grief, normal grief, prolonged grief  or complicated grief will depend on your relationship, the level or your attachment, the circumstances surrounding the loss, the secondary losses that will impact your future and your level of resilience. 

Grieving after the bereavement of a loved one, whether it is a child, a young person or someone older, or facing a significant life change, can have a huge on impact your mental health and be a difficult time of feeling overwhelmed. 

Symptoms can affect you mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. To learn more read the related articles on my blog.

Bereaved children respond well to a suitable  creative activity. If they need specialist help, check out Child Bereavement UK for suggestions of bereavement support or grief therapy or a different way that might help them with a particularly negative emotion they are dealing with.

If a loved one or family member is facing a difficult situation during mourning and struggling to talk about it, art therapy can be particularly helpful in connecting to the difficult emotion and gaining insights in what they need to do to turn it into a positive emotion. Remember your grief process will be unique to you so avoid comparisons.

The Power of Creative Expression

As a Grief Specialist, I have experienced the power of creative expression personally, and in helping my clients build emotional resilience to cope with their grief. In this blog post, I will explore how art therapy, writing, music and other creative activities can be powerful tools to facilitate healing. They can offer comfort and a way to process complex emotions. If you are experiencing an intense emotion during the grieving process, you will benefit from having a creative outlet to release it and develop new insights.

Developing healthy ways to navigate the challenges during this time is essential for healing and moving forward after loss to get your life back. Creative expression has been recognised as one of the most valuable tools to help individuals develop emotional resilience to handle tough times. Whether it's through dance, art, pottery, crafts, writing, or music, creative activities offer a safe and non-judgmental outlet for processing your difficult feelings.

Research in the field of psychology has shown that engaging in creative activities stimulates the brain's reward centres. This triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. These neuro chemicals contribute to a sense of well-being and serve as natural mood lifters. 

Creative expression also encourages you to be present in the moment as you focus on the act of creation. If you are struggling with grief, you can get preoccupied with the past and thinking about what you could have done differently, better or more of. Also thinking about things that you didn't get a chance to express and the disappointment of the hopes, dreams and expectations that are no longer possible. 

You can also get preoccupied and focus on the future and whether you will be able to cope with the new circumstances. This can lead to increased uncertainty and anxiety. Developing mindfulness through creative activities will help you be in the present and this can help reduce your anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Although you can't change what happened, you will be able to make better choices in how you respond to the loss.

I highly recommend that you explore and find the creative expressions that are most beneficial for you.

Arts and Crafts as a Process for Emotional Release

When you are grieving, sharing how you feel through words can be a challenging task. If you are feeling symptoms of overwhelming sadness, making time for creativity and art therapy provides an alternative and powerful means of communication. 

Taking part in creative activities can allow your feelings to flow freely. Whether it's painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery or crafts, the act of creating something becomes an opportunity for release and building resilience.

The creative activity also becomes a space where you can be an emotional support group. It can also be a great place to give and receive support as you share what you have created, what it means for you and the sadness or other emotions you are experiencing after the death of a loved one or other significant loss. 

Art can create a symbolic representation of the grief experience, and provides you with an opportunity to explore the layers of your emotions. The process of art-making can be reflective and meditative, offering a temporary relief from the intensity of sadness and other difficult feelings. Involving yourself in the creative process can connect you with your inner self,  and promote a sense of self-discovery.

Healing through Writing

Writing is a profound way to process tough times. Journaling, in particular, is a widely recognised therapeutic practice. The simple act of putting pen to paper and writing down your thoughts, memories, and emotions can give you a sense of release, clarity and a new perspective. It allows you to organise your thoughts and make sense of the overwhelming emotions you may be experiencing.

In addition to journaling, writing poetry or stories can also be a transformative experience. Writing creatively allows you to honour the memory of your loved ones or express how the loss has impacted your life. I remember a friend, after she lost her mum, she turned to writing poetry and was surprised at how the poems flow and how beneficial it was for processing her feelings.

Words enable storytelling, where grief can be woven into stories of resilience and hope. Also through creative writing, you can externalise your emotions, gaining insights into your own healing process.

Music as a Path to Peace

Music has a unique ability to touch the deepest parts of your soul. It can stir powerful memories, and serve as a bridge between your conscious and subconscious mind. Listening to music that is meaningful for you, can provide a profound sense of connection. Hearing lyrics or melodies that mirror your feelings can help you feel understood and less alone. 

Engaging in music-making can be equally therapeutic. Playing a musical instrument or singing can offer an emotional release that words alone can't provide. Music has the power to soothe, uplift, and inspire, offering moments of peace in the middle of the storm. It becomes a non-verbal language through which you can express the inexpressible. 

Finding Community and Support

The grief journey can often be isolating as you may tend to withdraw and think you need to grieve alone. You can feel as if no one truly understands the depth of your pain. Engaging in creative expression opens doors to connect with others who have experienced losses. Though each person's experiences are unique, they are likely to have more empathy, patience, and compassion. Joining support groups or participating in art, pottery, music, or writing workshops that are specifically designed for those who are grieving, creates a sense of belonging.

These creative communities can become safe spaces, where you can be honest without fear of judgement. The connections formed within an emotional support group can produce an environment that encourages personal growth and helps you move forward and get your life back.

The Process of Handling Grief through Creativity

You need to recognize that healing through creative expression is not about "fixing" or distracting yourself from grief or trying to eliminate pain altogether. Creative expression does not replace the need to mourn or grieve, or seek professional help if necessary, rather it offers a way to navigate the emotional grief landscape.

The creative process is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It allows individuals to embrace their emotions and find moments of peace and calm in the midst of the pain. There is no right or wrong way to express grief creatively. Choose what is authentic for you. Each creative expression becomes a testament to the love and connection you shared with the person or thing involved in the loss.

As a Grief Specialist, I believe in the power of creative expression as a tool for healing. Engaging in art, crafts, pottery, writing, or music can be a profound and therapeutic experience. It allows you to navigate the complexities of your grief and still create moments of comfort, joy and meaning.

If you are struggling in your grief journey, consider exploring the world of creativity as a way to honour your emotions and go on a path of healing and self-discovery.

Remember, there is no deadline for grief, and taking small steps towards self-compassion and self care, can lead to a brighter future. Embrace the power of creativity, and let it guide you through the healing process so you can move forward to create a life well lived.

Seeking Professional Help

In some situations, creative activities and self care practices may not be enough. You may have a complicated and unresolved grief that requires professional support.

I am an International Grief Specialist working online. To explore if you might need professional help or not, and if we might be a good fit to work together or not, you can book a free 30 minutes discovery call. Click here to schedule a call.

If you feel the need for professional support and struggling with funds, Cruse Bereavement Care in the UK can be a valuable resource for grief counseling and finding a grief counselor.

www.ataloss.org is a great source of information and what may be available locally to you.

If you are based in another country use Google to your local search engine to find resources.

Use this link to learn more about the Handling Tough Times through Creativity Workshop and join the waitlist.