How to Deal Grief and Loss

By Dr. David Rex Orgen, Best-Selling Author, Mental Health Expert, and Pastor

Education & Awareness

Grief is a natural and universal response to the loss of someone or something dear. Dr. David Rex Orgen, a mental health expert and pastor, emphasizes that grief is not linear—it’s an intensely personal experience that can vary greatly from person to person. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a significant life change, grief manifests in different ways, such as sadness, anger, confusion, or even numbness.

Dr. Orgen explains that while grief is a normal response to loss, it can be overwhelming and disorienting. It’s important to recognize that there is no “right” way to grieve. Understanding the emotional, mental, and physical impacts of grief can help individuals process their feelings and start their healing journey. Grief often includes shock, denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, a framework coined by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, but these stages may not occur in a set order.

Encouragement & Support

Dr. Orgen encourages those experiencing grief to lean into support networks—whether through family, friends, or professional help. Isolation during grief can exacerbate the emotional toll, and seeking help is a vital step in the healing process. Whether through counseling, support groups, or a spiritual community, sharing your pain can make the burden of loss more bearable.

As a pastor, Dr. Orgen emphasizes the spiritual aspect of grief, reminding individuals that God’s presence and prayer can offer comfort during moments of despair. He encourages people to express their emotions openly and to avoid suppressing their feelings, as this can delay the healing process. It’s okay to cry, to mourn, and to feel vulnerable—these emotions are part of the journey.

Community Engagement

Grief can feel like an isolating experience, but community support plays a vital role in healing. Dr. Orgen advocates for support groups or local communities that provide a safe environment for people to express their grief without judgment. The power of shared experiences can be profound in reminding individuals that they are not alone in their journey.

Engagement in church communities, family gatherings, and peer groups can help people navigate the emotional turbulence of grief. Dr. Orgen shares that community activities focused on healing, such as prayer sessions, memorial services, or group counseling, can create a space for collective healing.

Resource Sharing

There are many resources available to help individuals cope with grief, both spiritually and emotionally. Dr. Orgen recommends the following:

Books on grief: “On Grief and Grieving” by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler is an excellent resource that explores the stages of grief and offers comfort.

Online resources: Websites such as GriefShare provide access to online support groups, articles, and helpful tools for navigating grief.

Therapy and counseling: Professionals trained in grief counseling can help individuals process their emotions and guide them through the healing process.

Spiritual guidance: For those who find comfort in faith, engaging in prayer, meditation, or seeking counsel from pastors and spiritual leaders can offer solace and hope during difficult times.

Advocacy & Policy Influence

Dr. Orgen advocates for greater societal awareness and support for individuals dealing with grief. Many people suffer in silence, as grief is often misunderstood, especially when it lingers or manifests in ways that are hard to recognize. Dr. Orgen calls for policy changes that:

Provide paid bereavement leave for employees.

Increase access to grief counseling and support programs.

Promote public education about the emotional and psychological impacts of grief and how individuals can better support loved ones during the grieving process.

By advocating for these changes, Dr. Orgen believes that society can better support individuals through their grieving process and ensure that no one feels alone in their pain.

Promote InspireMind Global’s Mission

InspireMind Global plays an important role in supporting individuals through the grieving process. Dr. Orgen shares that the organization provides a variety of services to support those affected by loss, including:

Grief counseling services to help individuals navigate their emotions and find peace.

Workshops and seminars on coping with grief and loss, specifically designed to educate families, communities, and caregivers.

Online support communities that provide comfort and encouragement to individuals in their grieving process.

Dr. Orgen encourages individuals to visit InspireMind Global’s website www.inspiremindglobal.com to learn more about the resources available for coping with grief and to find the support needed to heal.

Drive Conversations

Dr. Orgen tells the story of Sarah, a woman who recently lost her father after a prolonged illness. Sarah found herself overwhelmed by the sadness and often isolated herself from others. However, with the support of a grief support group and pastoral counseling, Sarah was able to process her feelings and find healing. She realized that her grief didn’t need to be rushed and that taking time to grieve was part of honoring her father’s memory.

Sarah’s journey highlights how reaching out for help and allowing oneself to grieve can promote healing. Her story serves as a reminder that grief is personal, complex, and individual, and the healing process requires both time and compassion.

Encourage Preventative Care

Dr. Orgen reminds everyone that grief is inevitable, and while we cannot prevent loss, there are ways to prepare ourselves emotionally and mentally. He recommends:

Building strong emotional resilience through self-care, mindfulness, and community support before loss occurs.

Creating open communication about death, loss, and grief in families, so that people can prepare for the inevitable.

Seeking counseling during difficult life changes, even before the loss, to help understand and process emotions.

Preventative care doesn’t mean avoiding grief, but rather creating an emotional toolbox that helps individuals handle life’s losses in a healthier, more compassionate way.

Closing

Grief and loss are an unavoidable part of life, and while it’s a challenging and often painful experience, healing is possible. Dr. David Rex Orgen believes that through support, time, and faith, individuals can find peace and strength in the face of loss. Whether it’s seeking professional counseling, connecting with loved ones, or finding solace in faith, grieving is a journey that can lead to profound growth and healing.

For more support and resources, visit InspireMind Global at www.inspiremindglobal.com, and for personal insights and guidance from Dr. Orgen, visit www.davidorgenauthor.com.