Are All Endings Grief Worthy?

Not all losses are visible, and not all grief is acknowledged, but that does not make them any less real.

When someone experiences a significant loss, an ending has occurred. In this context, loss and endings are interchangeable. These endings can take many forms: the death of a loved one, family illness, leaving or losing a job, the end of a relationship, or leaving a country due to political circumstances. Each of these situations represents a meaningful shift, something that once was is no longer.

To better understand grief, assist by acknowledging and assessing the nature of the ending itself. Death is the type of loss most commonly associated with grief and is widely recognized and socially supported. When someone dies, there are rituals, condolences, and a shared understanding that grief is expected. However, it is important to note that not all deaths receive the same level of social recognition. For example, the death of a pet, while deeply meaningful, may not always be acknowledged with the same degree of support.

It is also worth noting that not every death results in personal grief. If someone dies whom you did not know well or were not emotionally connected to, you may not experience grief yourself. Instead, you may extend condolences or express empathy to those who were close to that person. At the same time, people sometimes grieve individuals they never met, such as beloved public figures like Betty White or Catherine O'Hara. These responses highlight that emotional connection—not just personal proximity—shapes our experience of loss.

Less recognized are non-death losses, often referred to as disenfranchised grief circumstances. These include experiences such as chronic illness within a family, job loss, the end of a relationship, or financial hardship. While these situations can be deeply painful, they frequently receive far less acknowledgment from others. There are no formal rituals, no sympathy cards, and no clear social permission to grieve. As a result, this type of grief can feel isolating or even invalidating.

While society often defines which losses are considered “grief-worthy,” the reality is that grief is deeply personal. Each individual responds differently to loss. What feels manageable to one person may be overwhelming to another. Sensitivity, personal history, and emotional connection all influence how someone experiences an ending.

Perhaps the better question is not whether all endings are grief worthy, but whether we can acknowledge the loss, assess the recognition and assist in allowing space for all forms of loss and validation. Ultimately, any loss that carries meaning has the potential to be grieved. And when that grief is acknowledged, whether publicly or privately, it becomes a step toward healing rather than something that must be carried alone.

Learn more about Grief Worthy Endings

in the virtual engaging workshop

Consoling Disenfranchised Grief: Revisited

Friday, April 10th, 2026

12 - 1 pm EST

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