This past week has been sad. First the loss of the legendary Cicely Tyson and then a childhood icon Dustin Diamond aka Screech from Saved by The Bell. The feeling of loss although not knowing them personally was something shared by many throughout the country. But if we do not know them why do we grieve? How can I experience loss for someone I never really knew?
Grief over a celebrity is valid and real. We experience a connection through their art and feel genuine sorrow over their loss.
Here are a few tips to deal with the grief experienced from the loss of a celebrity:
1. Connect with other fans in your circle. If you liked him/her, chances are your family members and/or friends did as well. Discuss your feelings and support each other. You are not alone.
2. Limit your exposure to news about the death. Turn off the tv. Take a social media break.
3. On the flip side you might be comforted by indulging in their work. Buy their book. Binge watch their videos. Make a playlist. Find a coping mechanism which works for you.
3. Understand that this celebrity grief might be triggering another loss and your grief is a cumulative experience.
4. Work through your feelings. Take the time to stop, acknowledge your grief and express them. I remember when Michael Jackson passed away I cried and cried and watched his videos for hours then emailed all the important people in my life letting them know why I appreciate them.
5. Journal. Write down what you feel, maybe great memories of their work and how it affected you.
6. Find comfort in the fact that their effect on your life and the authenticity of their work continues to live on.
Your. Grief. Is. Real.
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Angel Williams is the founder of Sunset Concierge LLC. Check her out on the LATEST EPISODE OF OUR YOU TUBE SERIES, Legacy and Tea. Click here!
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