Fatigue in grief is like no other tiredness. It sits deep in the bones. I believe it is not the same as depression’s downward pull towards the ground. Instead, I have observed it more as an internal weightiness that emanates out into all directions of our bodies, our minds, and our hearts. The weightiness seems to be the ever-present buzz of living with what has always been unbelievable. And it is more draining than anyone might imagine who has never felt it.
I also believe that this fatigue is protective. Many describe it as that fog that encompasses every physical movement, or a thought process slimed with molasses, as they are unable to find words or names. These fatigue symptoms are in some ways compassionate—as if our system knows we cannot actually exist in the fullness of our reality. We need some sense of surreal for a period of time. We need to be confined to a small radius, both physically and mentally, in order to survive to the next day.
Early on in a grief process, I encourage people to embrace the fatigue, as maddening as it is. To listen to it. To consider how it is our natural biological system leading the way through grief. We are wise beings when we actually listen to ourselves and our bodies.
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Welcome to my #100dayproject. I am providing a daily offering on #grief, in honor of each person who has trusted me with their story and wisdom during their #griefjourney. I hope that others may benefit from simple and straightforward talk about a topic that can be difficult. Thanks for following and/or sharing.