Paris Rally Shares Communal Grief

Nearly 4 million people flowed through the streets of Paris recently in a show of solidarity against terrorism.

One reason for this, and other demonstrations held around the world, is to allow people to express their pain and share their communal feelings of grief, said Curtis Reisinger, PhD, Corporate Director, North Shore-LIJ Employee Assistance Program

“People are, by their very nature, social beings from birth, and are actually ‘wired’ this way until the day they die,” said Dr. Reisinger. “When we see and experience others’ reactions to a situation, our own thoughts are confirmed; we know that we are not alone.”

As in all other cases of trauma and loss, individual reactions will vary in terms of intensity and time of bereavement.

Dr. Reisinger notes that grieving is a normal part of any healing process; however, if and when such feelings of loss last for a significant period of time and begin to interfere with the activities of daily life, it is important to seek out professional help.