National Grief Awareness Week

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National Grief Awareness Week takes place from December 2nd to December 8th.

This week provides a dedicated period for individuals, organisations, and communities to come together to acknowledge and address the various aspects of loss through bereavement.

Grief is a deeply personal and often unpredictable experience, and its impact on mental health can be profound. While it’s a natural response to loss, grief can affect people in different ways including emotionally, physically, and psychologically.

Below are some of the ways grief can influence mental wellbeing:

• Emotional turbulence: Grief often brings intense emotions like sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, and even relief. These feelings can come in waves and may resurface unexpectedly.

• Anxiety and depression: For some, grief can trigger or worsen mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. This is especially true if the grieving process is prolonged or complicated.

• Disrupted daily functioning: People may struggle with concentration, motivation, or even basic tasks like getting out of bed or going to work. If these feelings persist, it may be a sign that additional support is needed.

• Delayed or reawakened grief: Sometimes grief doesn’t surface immediately. It can be delayed for weeks, months, or even years – especially if someone didn’t have the space or support to grieve properly. It can also be reawakened by triggers like anniversaries, smells, or new losses.

• Physical symptoms: Grief can manifest physically – fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, or even chest pain. These symptoms are real and valid.

Grief is not something to ‘get over’ – it’s something we learn to live with. Supporting someone through bereavement goes far beyond ticking boxes or following HR protocols. Throughout Ireland and the UK, where community and compassion are deeply valued, employers and managers have a unique opportunity to show genuine care and humanity when a colleague is grieving.

Here’s how to offer meaningful support beyond policies and procedures:

01. Lead with empathy, not efficiency

  • Don’t rush into logistics. Start with a simple, heartfelt message: ‘I’m so sorry for your loss. We’re here for you.’
  • Avoid clichés or trying to ‘fix’ their grief. Just being present and listening is powerful.

02. Give space without disconnecting

  • Stay in touch during leave – but gently. A check-in text or card can mean a lot.
  • Let them know they’re missed, but don’t pressure them to return before they’re ready.

03. Offer flexibility and choice

  • When they return, ask what would help: reduced hours, remote work, or a quiet space.
  • Be open to adjusting workloads or deadlines without making them feel like a burden.

04. Create a culture of compassion

  • Encourage team members to show support – whether it’s a signed card, flowers, or just being kind.
  • Avoid gossip or speculation. Respect their privacy and model that for others.

05. Normalise conversations around grief

  • Host a wellbeing session or invite a speaker to talk about grief and mental health.
  • Share resources openly such as local bereavement services or reminding them of the counselling support available via Lena.

06. Be there long-term

  • Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. Keep checking in – especially around anniversaries or holidays.
  • Offer continued flexibility and understanding if they’re struggling months later.

07. Empower managers with emotional intelligence

  • Train managers to recognise signs of grief-related stress and respond with sensitivity.
  • Encourage them to ask, ‘What do you need from me right now?’ rather than assume.