Sometimes, it feels like the news is just one heartbreak after another. And while we’re here to share uplifting stories, some events are impossible to ignore, like Wednesday’s tragic plane crash near Reagan National Airport. Even if you weren’t personally affected, seeing the headlines and footage can stir up emotions that are hard to process.
This feeling has a name: collective grief. Rebecca Soffer, co-founder of Modern Loss, explains that this kind of grief can come from tragic events, health crises like the pandemic, or even the loss of a beloved celebrity. If you feel a heaviness, a sadness that seems bigger than you—that’s normal. “If it feels like grief to you, it probably is,” Soffer shared in a blog post for 1-800-Flowers.
So, how do we navigate grief for something that didn’t happen directly to us? Start by acknowledging your feelings—there’s no “right” way to grieve. Give yourself permission to feel without comparing your emotions to those more closely affected. Setting boundaries with news consumption can also help—consider checking updates once a day instead of doom-scrolling.
Soffer also suggests channeling those emotions into action when possible. Donate, volunteer, or simply support those around you. Meditation and mindfulness can help bring you back to the present moment, and most importantly, lean on your people. In difficult times, connection is everything.
At the end of the day, feeling deeply is a sign of our shared humanity. And that, in itself, is something to hold on to. 💙
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