Is Apathy a Part of Grief?

I sigh a lot now.

I find myself thinking and even saying, “Whatever.”

If this can happen, if we all die, then what’s the point?

Frankly, I don’t care anymore, and that scares me.

Do other people experience this?

Is apathy a part of grief?

Most grieving hearts experience at least some apathy in their grief journey.

Our hearts have been hit so hard that sometimes our “feelers” have to shut down. We can become numb at times. Loss
stirs questions and wonderings in our hearts. One question that often surfaces is, “What’s the point of all this anyway?”

Though that question might be scary, it’s often one the heart needs to ask. We need to know why we’re here and what life is all about.

If we don’t, we’ll end up simply doing what everyone else does and going through the motions chasing things that in the end really don’t matter much.

If we’ve had heavy, serious losses in the past, this loss can push us into apathy. If close and deep enough, this loss all by itself can drive us into the land of “Whatever.”

Whatever Land is a temporary rest stop along the grief journey, not a permanent destination. We pass through Whatever Land but don’t make a home there.

We don’t do well without a clear sense of meaning and purpose.

Recognizing apathy and processing it are important.

If you find yourself feeling apathetic, please know that this is natural and common for a grieving heart. Let your heart express itself and ask the questions it needs to.

Be aware that part of the apathy you experience could be coming from anger toward yourself, others, God, or the world in general.

Owning up to and processing that anger is healthy for your mind and heart. Don’t let it hide, fester, and infect your life and relationships in adverse ways.

When in Whatever Land, be aware of what you’re thinking and feeling. Know that most grieving hearts experience some apathy on this journey. See yourself accepting where you are in Whatever Land but also know that you are passing through.

Be kind to yourself. This is hard.

Affirmation:
If I’m feeling apathetic, I’ll be real with myself about that. I’ll remember that Whatever Land is a temporary stop and not a permanent residence

Excerpt from  The Grief Guidebook: Common Questions, Compassionate Answers, Practical Suggestions.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NIV)

Question: Have you experienced apathy along with way in your grief process? Please feel free to share by commenting below.

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