Understanding Numbness in Grief
Numbness can be one of the most confusing parts of grief. Many people expect to feel overwhelmed with emotion, and instead feel very little – which can be frightening or make you wonder if something is wrong. But numbness doesn’t mean you’re grieving “incorrectly”. It’s your brain’s way of protecting you from more than you can bear in this moment.
Feelings often return in their own time. If and when you feel ready, you might gently open yourself to emotion by looking at a photo or listening to a song that reminds you of the person you’ve lost – but take this slowly, as it can feel overwhelming too. Be patient with yourself. Numbness is a natural part of the grieving process.
12 Days of Grief: Understanding Numbness
In this video, Erin explains why numbness can happen in grief, how it acts as a form of protection, and why there’s no need to rush yourself into feeling more than you’re ready for.
Follow us on social media to keep up with our 12 Days of Grief series, where each day we explore a different aspect of grief and share guidance, support, and practical tips.
FREE: Grief Worksheet – Denial in Grief
To help you navigate numbness and disconnection, try our free grief worksheet.
Looks at denial as a part of grief, with reflection prompts and grounding exercises to help you acknowledge difficult feelings at your own pace and stay connected to the present .
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