Collective Grief, Healing, and Hope: Navigating the Path Forward

by Jamie Azar, Certified Relationship and Intimacy Coach

In the face of unimaginable loss, the weight of collective grief binds us together, reminding us that our shared humanity is both fragile and resilient. The LA wildfires have resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes, forced thousands to evacuate, and caused significant damage to both natural landscapes and urban infrastructure. In addition to the immediate physical impacts, the wildfires are contributing to a heightened sense of vulnerability and grief among residents, as communities face the emotional toll of displacement and loss. The widespread destruction has left a deep emotional scar, as people continue to grapple with the aftermath of loss, trauma, and the ongoing uncertainty of an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment.

Collective grief emerges when a community, society, or nation faces significant loss or upheaval, whether through war, natural disasters, or other events that cause widespread devastation. This shared mourning often arises from circumstances that result in mass casualties or profound, irreversible change. 

Much like individual grief, collective grief carries a sense of helplessness. The loss or transformation feels beyond our control, and the realization that we could not prevent it amplifies our sense of powerlessness. We may also feel anticipatory grief, due to uncertainty or unresolved underlying issues, or because we know more hardship may be ahead of us. Feelings of overwhelm may also intensify as we become attuned to the pain of others.This shared sorrow, while bonding, can also make the burden feel heavier.

The path to healing in collective grief doesn’t always follow the same course as it does in individual grief. The complexities of healing together as a society can be just as painful, overwhelming, or debilitating as the grief itself. However, there are paths to healing and there can be transformation and renewal beyond the holding pattern of disasters. And although it may feel nearly impossible to see what’s on the other side of loss, hurt, fear, disaster, and trauma in the moment, through public mourning, community action, and individual healing, hope and renewal can eventually emerge.

Public Mourning

There can be great healing power in mourning together. Coming together and processing shared grief in safe spaces can offer a container for collective understanding and affirmation that one is not alone in their pain or loss. When a tragedy of any nature strikes, it is both individuals and communities that feel the hurt; coming together with others who are sharing destabilizing experiences can heal feelings of isolation and help people to feel like they aren’t alone. Public grieving, mourning, and holding compassionate space for ourselves and others can be uniting and transformative, proving that both pain and healing, destruction and renewal, loss and hope can all co-exist.

Community Action

People in Los Angeles have come together in small yet powerful ways to support each other during the wildfire crisis, from neighborhood evacuation help, offering airbnbs, community donation drives, mutual aid networks, and mental health support. These grassroots efforts highlight the strength of local networks and the profound impact of communal support. While it’s important to be mindful to prioritize your own healing, more on that below, there may be ways you can also show up for others in your community. The sense of being a part of rebuilding after loss can also offer deep healing and transformation.

Take Time For You

While coming together, processing collective grief and offering community support or action can serve you and others, it’s important that you take the space you need to process your own emotions. Every person is different, and grief can show itself in unexpected places and times. Acknowledge what feelings are coming up, take the space you need, and try and let go of the awareness of others, focusing solely on yourself and your body. Journaling, or using some other artistic mode to process, breathwork, meditation, speaking with a therapist or coach can all be possible tools for resourcing and healing. Give yourself permission to take time, space, and to feel the spectrum of emotions, or notice perhaps the lack of emotions, and offer yourself the gentle compassion, understanding, and patience you need to honor the process and evolution of your healing journey.

Additionally, if you and your family have been impacted by the fires, LAST is offering pro-bono sessions to speak with one of our clinicians. Click here for more info as well as some helpful resources, social media links, and an expansive spreadsheet that is actively being updated.

Stay safe and don’t be afraid to reach out to your community here at LAST ❤️