Hey there, grief warriors. Today we're diving into that delightful phenomenon known as grief brain – you know, that special time when your mental hard drive decides to do a random system update at the worst possible moments.
If you've ever found yourself standing in a room with absolutely no idea why you're there, staring at your phone while trying to remember what a phone is, or discovering your car keys in the freezer next to the ice cream you stress-ate last night – congratulations! You're experiencing grief brain in all its chaotic glory.
Let's break down this temporary descent into what feels like early-onset everything:
What's Actually Happening Up There:
Picture your brain as your iPhone trying to run 147 apps at once while also processing trauma. Something's gotta give, and usually it's your ability to remember where you parked at Target. Your neural networks are basically running on Internet Explorer speed while trying to process 4K emotional content.
Common Signs You're Running on Grief Brain:
- Finding your glasses on top of your head after searching for them for 45 minutes
- Showing up to appointments on the wrong day (or right day, wrong month)
- Writing emails that make autocorrect have an existential crisis
- Putting the milk in the cabinet and the cereal in the fridge
- Starting sentences that never quite make it to... wait, what was I saying?
My personal favorite grief brain moment? That time I tried to unlock my front door with my car key fob. For five minutes. While holding my house key in my other hand. Premium content right there.
The Science-y Bit (Because Something's Actually Happening):
When you're grieving, especially after suicide loss, your brain is like that friend who's trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – something's bound to get dropped. Your cognitive functions are busy processing trauma, which means basic tasks like "remember to wear pants to work" become optional bonus features.
The Fun Part No One Warns You About:
- Short-term memory decides to take a sabbatical
- Concentration spans shorter than a TikTok video
- Words becoming those... you know... those things you use to... talk?
- Time becoming more of a suggestion than a reality
- Multitasking turning into no-tasking
How to Deal (Besides Leaving Post-Its Everywhere):
1. Give yourself permission to be a hot mess. Your brain is doing important grief work; everything else is just bonus points.
2. Set a million reminders on your phone. Yes, even for basic things like "eat food" and "water is necessary for survival."
3. Tell your people. Let them know you're operating on grief brain software and might need some extra support (or at least someone to help you find your phone while you're talking on it).
4. Find your grief squad – people who get it and won't judge when you show up wearing two different shoes because #griefbrain was trending in your head that day.
Remember: Grief brain isn't forever. Your cognitive functions will eventually return from their extended vacation. Until then, embrace the chaos, keep your sense of humor, and maybe start keeping your keys in one of those old person key holders by the door. (No judgment – we've all been there.)
And hey, if you're reading this and thinking "this is so me" while simultaneously forgetting what you were supposed to do today – welcome to the club. We've got snacks (somewhere, if we can remember where we put them).
Why Share?
Help us expand our reach by sharing this blog with those who might benefit from our community. Your support is vital in helping us provide more resources and create a nurturing environment for survivors.
Join Us in Blooming Together
Sign up on our website to stay connected and support our mission. Your involvement makes a difference in creating a supportive space for survivors. Don't forget, even in the darkness of your mourning, your life is glorious.
We are a donation-based organization. Support our work at www.mourningglory.com/donate.
Love,
Aleksei and the team at Mourning Glory Club, a registered 501(c)3
Comments