Handling grief can be difficult, but individuals who identify as highly sensitive (HSPs) and introverted can face additional daunting challenges. Being introspective as well as highly emotional, highly sensitive introverts might need to invest in additional self-care as they navigate the rough terrain of grieving and loss.
Over at the website Introvert, Dear, Kimberly Morata has a very helpful and practical article: "How to Cope With Grief and Loss as a Highly Sensitive Introvert" She writes:
"Some research has found that, yes, [introverts grieve differently] since introverts gain energy through solitude. And whereas an extrovert may benefit from participating in an in-person grief recovery support group, for example, introverts may prefer to grieve privately instead."
On a personal note, this resonates pretty strongly with me. The potential downside, I've come to realize, is that our need for privacy can sometimes lead to isolation, which can put us further away from the people and resources that can help us in the healing process. Morata has a number of useful ideas that highly-sensitive introverts can put into practice, including using meditation apps, exercise, talking one-on-one with a religious or mental health professional, volunteering, journaling, and utilizing online support groups. Lots of helpful advice here if you're an HSP and introvert and trying to get "unstuck" from your grief.
