Personality & Gender May Influence Grieving

How an individual expresses grief may be influenced by ones personality and/or gender identification.  

A person that tends to be more emotionally reserved, may find grief difficult to express, and If a person is on the quieter side, they may find it highly uncomfortable to cry or be sad.  

For those that are comfortable with feelings, they may find it easier to share their thoughts and emotions more openly with others.  

In regards to gender, and I do not wish to imply that a gender identification will 100% dictate grief response, there can be some differences in how grief is expressed.  

Masculine grief can often be shaped by how they were allowed to express emotions growing up.  It may have been viewed as weakness by not having a stiff upper lip - as in, don't cry or show feelings, internal processing and wanting to get into some kind of action.

Feminine grief energy can show up as wanting to talk about the many feelings and emotions, while seeking comfort in the sharing and getting support.  There may also be the willingness to seek alternatives in grief expression, such as writing, therapy, or support groups.

Again, there is no typical or right way to express grief, and personality and gender may, or may not, influence mourning, but if it does, it's good to be reminded that there is no one way to grieve, and that your way, is the best way for you.  

Please find ways to connect with others and develop a safe place to express grief, so as to feel less isolated and more supported. 

Gender Differences in Grieving