#257: It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay: Coping with Grief and Loss with Megan Devine

Historical Views

Historical perspectives on grief reveal how past events have shaped modern views. Megan Devine explains that before modern advancements, people often attributed survival to magical or religious practices, which laid the foundation for many societal structures 1. She also discusses how governments historically encouraged productivity over mourning, urging people to move on quickly from widespread suffering 2.

So much of what we've built, so much of our moral code, our governments, our religion, are about squashing or managing the fear of watching those we love die.

--- Megan Devine

These historical responses continue to influence how society handles grief today.

   

Media and Culture

Media and cultural portrayals of grief often perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Megan Devine criticizes the trope of the grumpy widower who only finds happiness by moving on, suggesting it pressures people to quickly overcome their grief 3. She also challenges the emphasis on positive psychology, arguing that it can lead to increased loneliness and mental health issues by invalidating genuine feelings of sadness 4.

Telling people they shouldn't be in pain is not working.

--- Megan Devine

These portrayals can make it difficult for individuals to express and process their grief authentically.