On mourning (courtesy Dr. Andy McLean)

Last weekend I attended the funeral of a family friend. Having been raised in a large extended Irish Catholic family, I have been attending funerals since childhood (and hearing entertaining stories about Irish wakes).

Some individuals experience grief often, and from an early age. Others may be able to avoid it well into adulthood. But as part of the human condition, grief is unavoidable. “Grief” tends to be defined as an internal response (which can manifest in certain behaviors and emotions) to a significant loss. There are even generational differences in which grief is experienced. “Mourning,” on the other hand, tends to be seen as a more outward expression where such loss is processed through a personal, family, cultural, or spiritual lens.

A pre-pandemic Web MD survey indicated that almost 75% individuals experienced grief secondary to a life-related event within the past three years. Of those, 90% experienced emotional symptoms, particularly sadness, while two-thirds experienced significant physical symptoms, such as fatigue and changes in appetite.

You may have noticed that when there is a “death in the family,” UND Administration will be sure to make this fact known, and directs faculty, staff, and students to appropriate agencies. Compassionate workplaces will acknowledge losses, whether they be individual, programmatic or otherwise. Such observances are an example of mourning rituals, which have been found to promote resilience. These can provide social support, reduce the sense of isolation, help individuals recognize that others share their grief, facilitate emotional expression, and at times, create meaning from loss.

For an institution like the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 75% of our community, or some 900 faculty, staff, or students, will have experienced significant grief related to an event within the past three years. However, most of us are not aware of what others are experiencing. For many, privacy after loss is important. For others, they might not wish to be grieving in isolation.

Years ago, Cleveland Clinic released a video showing what individuals within a hospital setting are privately experiencing. It is a video I watch at least annually, to remind me, as a colleague and educator, to be mindful of what those around me might be going through. I would encourage you to take just a few minutes out of your day to view the video as well.

Reminder, if you would like to share inspirational quotes, stories, or ideas which might be helpful to others, please feel free to email Dr. Melissa Naslund at melissa.naslund@UND.edu.