Understanding and Processing Grief Using Geeky Examples

Grief is a complex and painful emotion that arises from losing a loved one, a pet, a job, or anything that holds great meaning in our lives. Coping with grief is a personal process that differs from person to person. For geeks, we find meaning in our passions and fandoms. We have unique experiences and examples that can be used to aid us in our coping.

Here are some ways to connect the geeky examples of grief with the grief we may be experiencing today:

• The Death of a Beloved Character

  When a beloved character dies in a book, movie, or TV show, it's natural to feel a deep sense of loss and sadness. You can use this experience to process your grief by mirroring how we mourned the loss of a fictional character. After all, these characters often hold a special place in our hearts, and their death can feel like personal loss. We may have revised favorite scenes or favored quotes. Similarly, we can do the same with the loss we are experiencing now.

• The End of a Series

  When a beloved series ends, it can also trigger feelings of grief. You might feel a sense of emptiness as if you've lost a part of yourself. Use this experience to help you process your present grief by recognizing that the end of a series doesn't mean the end of your love for it. You can re-watch, re-read, or even create your fanfiction to keep the series alive in your heart. Likewise, you can watch movies, look at photos, or even write letters to your dearly departed.

• The Loss of a Game Character

  For gamers, losing a game character can be as painful as losing a real-life companion. Your grief by recognizing that your attachment to the character reflects the emotional investment you made in the game. This experience teaches acceptance and resilience, knowing you can always start a new game and create new memories. Use the same acceptance and resilience learned from losing a game character to that of losing your loved one. Remember the time you invested in your relationship with them and accept that no one can take that time away.

• The End of a Convention or Festival

  For geeks who enjoy attending conventions or festivals, the end of an event can be a bittersweet experience. When we recognize that the connections we made at the event are real and meaningful, we are better able to look at the experience fondly. We even use this experience to plan future events and connect with the community through social media or online forums. Similarly, after gatherings of memorials or funerals end, we may experience the same bittersweet feeling. Staying connected with loved ones who share our grief, and planning for anniversaries to honor our lost loved one, will assist in the grieving process.

• The Closure of a Favorite Game

  When a favorite game is discontinued or no longer playable, it can feel like a huge loss. This experience teaches a gamer to recognize that the game will always hold a special place in their heart. It often leads to a connection with other players and sharing your grief. Use this knowledge to create community grieving and find solace in shared mourning.

• The Closure of a Beloved Game Studio

  If you're a fan of a particular game studio, the closure of that studio can be a significant loss. The loss can bring to light the studio's real and meaningful impact on your life. This experience can result in you finding ways to support the individual developers as they move on to new projects. Similarly, you can make an impact on the surviving loved ones by supporting their future endeavors which will honor your loved one’s legacy.

Grief is a personal experience that differs from person to person. However, by connecting geeky examples of grief with the grief someone may be experiencing, we can understand that our feelings are valid and that we are not alone. Through acceptance, resilience, and connection, we can find ways to heal and move forward while honoring our memories and experiences with those we lost.

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