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It's OK That You're Not OK

Megan Devine

192 Pages
2017

It's OK That You're Not OK

Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand

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It's OK That You're Not OK - Summary

"It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine is a groundbreaking book that challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding grief. Devine, a therapist who has experienced profound loss herself, offers a compassionate and insightful perspective on how to navigate the tumultuous waters of grief. She emphasizes that grief is not something to be fixed or cured but a natural response to loss that should be honored. This book is a must-read for anyone who has experienced loss or wants to support someone who has. It provides practical advice, heartfelt stories, and a new way of thinking about grief that is both comforting and empowering.

Key Ideas

1

Grief as a Natural Response

Megan Devine argues that grief is a natural and sane response to loss, not a problem to be solved. She emphasizes that our culture's tendency to treat grief as a disease to be cured is misguided. Instead, she encourages readers to accept grief as a part of life and to honor it as a form of love in its most raw and painful form.

2

Challenging Myths of Grief

The book debunks many of the myths surrounding grief, such as the idea that there are specific stages or timetables for grieving. Devine explains that these myths often make it harder for people to cope with their loss. By challenging these unrealistic ideals, she allows readers to accept their grief as a unique and personal experience that doesn't need to fit into a predefined mold.

3

Practical Guidance for Coping

"It's OK That You're Not OK" offers practical advice for managing the physical and emotional symptoms of grief. From tips on improving sleep and reducing anxiety to suggestions for supporting others through their grieving process, Devine provides a wealth of resources to help readers navigate their grief. This practical guidance is grounded in empathy and understanding, making it accessible and helpful for anyone dealing with loss.

FAQ's

The main message of "It's OK That You're Not OK" is that grief is a natural and sane response to loss, not something that needs to be fixed or cured. Megan Devine emphasizes the importance of honoring grief as a form of love and encourages readers to accept it as a part of life.

Megan Devine challenges conventional views on grief by debunking myths such as the existence of specific stages or timetables for grieving. She argues that these myths often hinder the grieving process and stresses that grief is a unique and personal experience that doesn't need to conform to societal expectations.

"It's OK That You're Not OK" provides practical advice for managing the physical and emotional symptoms of grief. This includes tips on improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and supporting others through their grieving process. The guidance is grounded in empathy and understanding, making it accessible and helpful for anyone dealing with loss.

๐Ÿ’ก Full 15min Summary

Creative expression, particularly writing, can serve as a therapeutic outlet for grief, aiding in the healing process.
0:00 / 1:10

Expressing grief is a crucial part of the healing process. It's not only okay to feel pain, but it's also important to acknowledge it rather than suppress it. This can be achieved through various forms of creative expression, such as writing or creating art, which serve as therapeutic outlets for grief. For instance, a study showed that engaging in just 10 to 15 minutes of creative writing can help reduce overall levels of cortisol, the "stress hormone," in the body. This suggests that writing, in its effect on stress in the body, can help individuals cope with loss. Furthermore, a writing course for grieving people demonstrated the power of simply telling one's own story. Students reported that writing the true reality of their loss helped them survive, providing a freedom in letting all their words out and being heard. On the page, everything is welcome. This highlights the importance of telling the truth, without censure or apology, in the grieving process. Therefore, giving voice to grief through creative expression can be a significant part of the journey towards healing.

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