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Throughout history, people have had various traditions and rituals to help them cope with grief and to honour the memories of their loved ones who have passed away. While some of these traditions are still practised today, there is a growing recognition that some have become outdated.
One traditional approach to grief has been the idea of "staying strong" and hiding our emotions. This can lead to feelings of isolation and an inability to truly process and cope with the loss.
Today, there is a growing understanding of the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions and that it is okay to not be okay. Many mental health experts now encourage people to participate in grief counselling, support groups and other forms of therapy that allow them to process their emotions and share their experiences with others who empathise with their experiences.
Another traditional aspect of grief has been the idea of a set timeline for mourning. Society often expects people to "move on" and return to their normal lives within a certain period of time. This rigid timeline can be harmful to those who are grieving, as the process of grieving is unique to each individual and can take a different amount of time for different people. Today, grief is seen as a lifelong process that requires people to have the time and space they need to grieve in their own way.
The funeral or memorial service is another traditional aspect of grief that has changed in recent years. Traditional funerals often focus on religious rituals and prayers, which can be comforting to some but foreign to others. There is now a growing trend towards more personalised and creative memorial services that reflect the life and personality of the person who has passed away. This can include elements such as music, storytelling or other activities that were meaningful to the individual.
Additionally, the rise of technology has made it possible for people to participate in memorial services remotely, which can be especially important for those who are unable to attend in person due to distance or other constraints.
In recent years there has been a shift towards more meaningful and eco-friendly ways of memorialising loved ones. Traditional burials and cremations have long been the norm, but there is now a growing awareness of the environmental impact of these practices. Many people today are opting for alternative memorialisation methods, such as tree planting or scattering ashes in a special location.
The traditional ways of grieving and honouring loved ones has changed in recent years. There is now a greater understanding of the importance of acknowledging and expressing emotions, recognising that grief is a lifelong process, personalising memorial services and finding eco-friendly ways of memorialising loved ones. And while traditional practices may still hold significance for some, it is important to recognise that everyone grieves in their own way and at their own pace.By embracing new perspectives on old traditions, we can support individuals as they navigate the difficult and complex emotions of grief.
Related Articles:
How to express your grief to friends
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To find support:
Beyond Blue provides Australians with information and support to improve their mental health. Call 1300 22 46 36 or visit beyondblue.org.au for more information.
Lifeline Australia provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au for more information.
GriefLine listens, cares and supports people experiencing loss and grief, at any stage in life. Call 1300 845 6am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.
MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.
Kids Helpline is a free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service Australia wide specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call 1800 55 1800.
Life Supports Counselling provides Australians with experienced counsellors & psychologists in their local area Australia-wide. Call 1300 735... .
