Somatic Expressions of Grief
Grief is usually seen as an emotional experience. Someone may picture an individual crying or showing some form of sadness. What we need to keep in mind is that grief is actually quite complex and dynamic, and it is experienced uniquely by every individual. It can look like sadness AND it can be disguised as many other outward expressions (i.e. confusion, stomach aches, forgetfulness, anger, headaches, etc.).
HERE is a short and printable guide on how to check in with grief as a somatic experience. A somatic experience refers to a body-centered reaction that can be felt throughout times of grief. Here we will identify what some of these may look like, why they may be happening, and offer some simple coping skills to help when feeling them.
Please note: these coping skills are not meant to “fix” how someone is feeling. They are there to help us cope with the experience. They are also not “one size fits all”. It’s important to find things that will help your unique experience.
Keep in mind that this document does not replace mental or physical healthcare advice. Please reach out to a healthcare professional for more in-depth care, when needed.
