Mar 13, 2023 Reporting from Niles, MI
Mar 13, 2023
Mar 13, 2023
Removing the mask
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Removing the mask
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
"The mask I wear is heavy, yet it doesn’t weigh an ounce.
The mask I wear is stifling, yet it doesn’t block my face.
The mask I wear is tight, yet it doesn’t cling at all.
The mask I wear is a disguise, yet it looks like my regular face.
The mask I wear is invisible, yet it hides my feelings.
The mask I wear is suffocating, yet I breathe just fine.
The mask I wear is removable, yet it never comes off.
The mask I wear is “normalcy”, yet I am grieving" — Mardi Slagle Peaster
The purpose of a mask is to cover, protect, or conceal. It can be difficult for those grieving to express the emotions they are experiencing.
With society’s general discomfort with grief, it is not uncommon for someone grieving to keep their innermost thoughts and feelings to themselves. On the outside, you may display a mask of being okay and give the automatic response of ‘I’m fine’ when asked how you are doing. On the inside, you may be far from fine.
Have you been unable to express your true feelings—worried of how others will react? You may feel the urge to project a certain image and wear a metaphorical mask to protect yourself or others from your grief.
Remember though, an important part of the grief healing journey is to get those emotions out of you. This is what we call mourning—finding healthy ways to get those grief feelings out into the open. It could be going for a walk, joining a grief support group, screaming into a pillow, letting the tears flow.
Each person’s grief and mourning can look a little different—as it can be a unique and individual experience. But know that your feelings are important and valid, and that you are not alone on this journey.
If you are grieving a death and think a support group might be for you, please contact us at 269.983.2707. We’re always here and available to listen. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for online support and inspiration, and you can always find us at
lorysplace.org. Don't forget to subscribe to receive content monthly.
Wishing you moments of peace, comfort, and joy,
The Lory’s Place Team
Removing the mask
by
Lory's Place
|
Mar 13, 2023
"The mask I wear is heavy, yet it doesn’t weigh an ounce.
The mask I wear is stifling, yet it doesn’t block my face.
The mask I wear is tight, yet it doesn’t cling at all.
The mask I wear is a disguise, yet it looks like my regular face.
The mask I wear is invisible, yet it hides my feelings.
The mask I wear is suffocating, yet I breathe just fine.
The mask I wear is removable, yet it never comes off.
The mask I wear is “normalcy”, yet I am grieving" — Mardi Slagle Peaster
The purpose of a mask is to cover, protect, or conceal. It can be difficult for those grieving to express the emotions they are experiencing.
With society’s general discomfort with grief, it is not uncommon for someone grieving to keep their innermost thoughts and feelings to themselves. On the outside, you may display a mask of being okay and give the automatic response of ‘I’m fine’ when asked how you are doing. On the inside, you may be far from fine.
Have you been unable to express your true feelings—worried of how others will react? You may feel the urge to project a certain image and wear a metaphorical mask to protect yourself or others from your grief.
Remember though, an important part of the grief healing journey is to get those emotions out of you. This is what we call mourning—finding healthy ways to get those grief feelings out into the open. It could be going for a walk, joining a grief support group, screaming into a pillow, letting the tears flow.
Each person’s grief and mourning can look a little different—as it can be a unique and individual experience. But know that your feelings are important and valid, and that you are not alone on this journey.
If you are grieving a death and think a support group might be for you, please contact us at 269.983.2707. We’re always here and available to listen. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for online support and inspiration, and you can always find us at
lorysplace.org. Don't forget to subscribe to receive content monthly.
Wishing you moments of peace, comfort, and joy,
The Lory’s Place Team