014 what is collective grieving
Artwork by Sliman Mansour
My heart has grown increasingly heavy over the past year as we are witnessing the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the attacks on Lebanon. It's a surreal experience to observe such atrocities unfold through a screen, all while grappling with the discomfort and helplessness of it all. These events have become a recurring topic in sessions with my MENA clients, and I find myself holding space for their processing while simultaneously navigating my own feelings of dread, sorrow, and helplessness. Striking a balance between maintaining professionalism in the therapy room and carrying the weight of these events is something I have yet to figure out.
The world watches as Palestine and Lebanon once again endure heartbreaking cycles of violence, displacement, and devastation. For those living in these regions, the suffering goes far beyond political conflict or territorial loss—it is a deep, ongoing wound that exacts an overwhelming toll on mental health. I believe this level of trauma transcends the Western understanding of PTSD. The collective grief that emerges from these tragedies extends far beyond the mourning of individual lives; it is the shared pain of entire communities, facing the destruction of their homes, the fragmentation of their families, and the erasure of their cultural identity.
What is Collective Grieving?
Collective grieving refers to the shared emotional experience of mourning as a community. Unlike individual grief, which focuses on personal loss, collective grief arises when an event profoundly impacts an entire group. This occurs when people, whether directly or indirectly affected, come together to process loss. In this context, the grief is not only for the lives lost but also for the cultural heritage, security, and future of the region.
In grieving for Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Congo, and Sudan, we reaffirm the humanity that has been continuously denied through the lens of colonialism. This collective grief transcends individual sorrow, as societies come together to mourn the assaults on their homes, cultures, histories, and futures—a pain that runs deep across several generations. It is grief shared across borders, felt by those in the diaspora and by allies around the world.
Yet, this collective grief also serves as a powerful testament to resilience. While mourning what has been lost, communities continue to cling to hope for the future they are still fighting for.
Emotions of Collective Grief
People experiencing collective grief navigate a wide spectrum of emotions, including despair, sadness, anger, distrust, helplessness, and anguish. As with individual grief, there is often a profound sense of powerlessness—the realization that the devastation cannot be undone or prevented. But within this grief, there can also be a sense of unity and solidarity with others similarly affected.
While the impulse to isolate in grief is real, collective grieving can also provide comfort. It fosters connection and mutual support, though this can be overwhelming at times. Witnessing and sharing in a community's pain is emotionally challenging because it requires holding space for both yourself and others.
How We Grieve
There is no "right" way to grieve—everyone's experience is shaped by various factors, including personal history, relationship to trauma, support systems, and cultural or religious beliefs surrounding death and loss. Some may grieve through intense emotional expression, while others may internalize their pain. Both approaches are valid.
The direct or indirect impact of a loss deeply influences a person's emotional experience. Whether mourning a loved one or grieving the collective trauma of a community, the emotional weight can be profound.
Some Key Aspects of Collective Grieving:
People come together to express and validate their shared grief, creating a sense of community that offers comfort and solidarity
Collective grieving often involves rituals and ceremonies that connect people to tradition, allowing grief to be expressed communally
Social justice movements can emerge from collective grieving, raising awareness of systemic issues and prompting collective action
Grieving in community enables people to heal together, draw strength from one another, and offer mutual support
Ultimately, collective grieving can be both a source of strength and a challenge, as communities lean on one another while enduring ongoing trauma. This shared experience of grief is a powerful form of connection and healing, with lasting effects on society.
