Does hiding your grief help others?

We often think that being emotional makes things harder for those we love. But expressing our feelings can actually help others work through their own – it normalises the grieving process, shows people they aren’t alone and that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Being honest about what’s going on for you is like a permission slip for others to do the same, and it can open up more opportunities for connection and healing.

I loved this conversation with Haleema. She spoke about this in relation to her parents who both have disabilities – she felt especially responsible to put her own feelings to one side in order to take care of others. But over time, she’s seen that it’s okay to grieve together, and this is healthy not only for her, but for the people she is supporting.

You can watch more of our ‘In Conversation with Bereaved Students’ series on our YouTube channel.