Navigating Grief: A University’s Approach to Student Wellbeing
The Faculty of Social Work and Human Development at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) recently hosted a conference addressing grief from a perspective of support and environmental reorganization, specifically aimed at university students. The event, part of the VI Integral Student Development Day, highlighted the importance of acknowledging and processing loss in a healthy manner.
Understanding the Landscape of Grief
Psychologist Jesús Morales Gutiérrez, who led the presentation titled “Grief, Understanding, Feeling, and Healing,” emphasized that grief manifests differently in each individual. He stressed that a strong support network is crucial for navigating this challenging emotion. “Grief is the most intense adaptive response a human being experiences to the loss of an object of attachment, whether a person, a pet, a stage of life, or a project,” he explained.
The person can experience their grief in the way that best suits them, but when therapy, family, and friends are involved, it will always be easier to adapt to modern realities without what we love so much.”
How to Cope with Loss
The conference addressed common misconceptions surrounding grief. Morales Gutiérrez pointed out that not expressing feelings immediately after a loss, or quickly returning to daily routines, is often mistakenly perceived as indifference. He clarified that individuals cope in diverse ways.
“Each person may or may not express their feelings. Perhaps the way to cope is to cry, vent in private, and engage as much as possible in activities that make them experience better. And Here’s as valid as someone who is hypersensitive to adversity and suddenly doesn’t want to see anyone or prefers to have a time for reflection and gradually continue with their life,” he stated.
The Four Phases of Grief
Morales Gutiérrez outlined four primary phases of grief: the fog (the impact of disbelief), longing (protest and searching), the desert (disorganization), and the new dawn (reorganization). Recognizing these phases can help individuals understand their emotional journey.
He also cautioned that sudden changes in habits and behavior should not be ignored. If a person neglects personal hygiene, isolates themselves, or experiences a decline in academic or professional performance, psychological support may be necessary to prevent stagnation.
If the person no longer has hygiene, neglects themselves to the point of not wanting to leave their room for long periods, if their school or work performance decreases, psychological support is necessary to avoid getting stuck in the event that caused them pain.”
“Everyone at some point is going to experience a sad situation and it is normal, it is part of life, but staying sunk in that feeling should not be normalized,” he concluded.
The Role of the University in Student Mental Health
The Faculty of Social Work and Human Development at UANL’s mission includes the formation of highly qualified professionals in social work and human development, contributing to the full development of individuals and responding to societal challenges. This event demonstrates a commitment to providing resources and support for student wellbeing.
FAQ
Q: What are the typical phases of grief?
A: The four phases are the fog, longing, the desert, and the new dawn.
Q: Is there a “right” way to grieve?
A: No, each person experiences and expresses grief differently. All responses are valid.
Q: When should someone seek professional help for grief?
A: If grief leads to significant changes in habits, prolonged isolation, or a decline in functioning, seeking psychological support is recommended.
