When violence hits close to home, the shock can last for days. You might feel numb one minute and angry the next. Grief does not follow a schedule, and there is no wrong way to feel it.
Let yourself stop
You do not have to go back to normal right away. Rest. Eat something simple. Let the people around you check on you, and check on them too.
Name what you feel
Write it down or say it to someone you trust. Sad, scared, angry, and confused can all be true at the same time. Naming them takes away some of their power.
Find a way to honor the hurt
Light a candle. Pray for the family. Send a wish to someone who is hurting today. The Wish Chain is a simple way to say you are thinking of them.
Ask for help
If the grief stays heavy for weeks, or it starts to affect your sleep and work, talk to a counselor or your doctor. Grief is a load that was never meant to be carried alone.
Love does not stop when the news cycle moves on. Keep showing up for the people who were hurt, and let your grief make you more gentle, not less.
Take your time
Grief after violence can feel heavy and confusing. There is no right timeline. Lean on family, friends, faith, and community. If it feels like too much, please reach out to a counselor or call or text 988 in the US. You do not have to carry it alone.
Make someone's day
Pass this on. One kind message can change a whole day. Then play a game that does some good.
