Articles by Gary Roe
When We Get Frustrated, Irritated, and Angry…
Anger is a powerful, often uncomfortable emotion. It can be a large part of grief. How we handle it matters – both for us and those around us. From the Grieving Heart: I woke up angry today. How dare you leave? How could you do this? I want you back. Now. But you're...
Why is Grief So Confusing Sometimes?
When loss strikes, it hits your whole person, including your mind. Mental fog, forgetfulness, and confusion are common. This can be unnerving, and scary. From the Grieving Heart: I feel confused today. One minute I'm sad, and the next I'm angry. I zone out and find...
Questions, Questions, and More Questions
When loss strikes, our worlds are changed. A strand of our life web has been severed, and now everything is shaking. Our hearts begin to ask questions. And the questions just keep coming. Life becomes surreal. From the Grieving Heart: I miss you. Badly. I have one of...
What To Do When Fear Comes Knocking…
In grief, we wonder. What else could happen? Who’s next? Our questions can grow more frantic, and fear can begin to surface. From the Grieving Heart: I miss you. If this could happen to you, what else might happen? And to whom? Frankly, it's terrifying. Anything...
7 Facts about Grief We Can’t Afford to Forget
Grief is deeply personal and individual. Every relationship and loss are unique. We can feel unhinged, adrift, or like we’re in a free fall. We think we’re better and then we get surprised, again. From the Grieving Heart I thought I was a little better, but I guess...
5 Key Truths about Anxiety and Depression
"I have panic attacks. They come out of nowhere. Now I walk around anxious, waiting for the next attack to descend. It's like being in a war," Patty said. "I get anxious, then depressed about being anxious, and then anxious about being depressed,” Dave chimed in....
Where Did Everyone Go?
In times of loss, people seem to disappear. We can wonder, "Where did everyone go?" From the Grieving Heart: This would be easier if it weren't for the people around me. At least, that's the way it feels. Right after you left, people were everywhere. Tears. Hugs....
Saving Lives and Giving Hope
Over the past three years, I have personally encountered suicide more than a dozen times. As many of you know, I began this year with research for writing a book to help those who have experienced someone they care about taking their own life. As I collected and read...
5 Truths about Grief, Sleep, and Dreams
In grief, sleep patterns often change. Many have dreams of their loved one. We wonder what they mean. We wonder about a lot of things… From the Grieving Heart: Last night, I dreamed of you. We were walking through a meadow. A gentle breeze was blowing. Flowers were...
Surely Someone Could Have Done Something
When we lose a loved one, our hearts ache. They writhe in pain. Eventually, we can emerge angry, wondering who's responsible for this. From the Grieving Heart: Today, I'm feeling angry. Surely someone could have done something. I mean, this didn't have to happen, did...