The hottest Grief Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Part 2: Disaster strikes

PASSAGES • 2098 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. A leaking refrigerator hose under the house caused serious damage over time. The owners didn't realize it because it was a slow drip.
  2. After being away for years, the owners discovered all their treasured items in the garage were ruined by mold and water damage.
  3. Even though the owner had become a minimalist, losing their art collection and family memories was a painful experience that brought intense grief.

Marilyn (Molly) Marcus, 1942-2026

Marcus on AI • 25057 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Practice deep empathy: assume people are fundamentally similar, pay attention to their struggles, and treat them with kindness.
  2. Pay attention to the whole world and to people from all backgrounds—notice who is present, fight for social justice, and believe that every life matters.
  3. Prioritize relationships and steady, quiet support over wealth. Write for yourself to process and share stories, and stand by people without judgment.

It's Very Possible To Be Both Happy And Well-Informed

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3073 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. It's possible to be well-informed about the world's harms and still experience real happiness and gratitude.
  2. Don't find happiness in pretending everything is fine. Root it in real things like close relationships, the natural world, your senses, and the calm inside you.
  3. Practice feeling emotions all the way through and deliberately noticing beauty; these skills let feelings pass quickly and let you live joyfully while staying honest about reality.

bye, mom

Knowingless • 21650 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
📚 Literature Grief
  1. Being in the ICU while a loved one dies feels surreal and paralyzing; time blurs, people can’t think straight, and even small decisions become impossible.
  2. Caregiving and small acts of tenderness become everything; intense, unconditional love can feel both hollowing and the clearest thing in the world.
  3. Accepting that death is coming forces unbearably hard choices like removing life support, and when it happens there’s a strange calm followed by ongoing waves of grief and memory.

Arthur Brooks: Family Estrangement Is a Tragedy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1279 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. Cutting ties with a family member affects the brain much like the death of a loved one, causing real grief and loss.
  2. Family estrangement is common and can happen to anyone, including rich and famous families.
  3. High-profile breakups draw attention but reflect private problems — people often cite interference in relationships or an inauthentic upbringing when they refuse to reconcile.
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They Won’t Let You In

Natural Selections • 9 implied HN points • 24 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Strict hospital visitor rules during the pandemic kept families from being with dying loved ones, leaving people feeling those deaths were lonely and avoidable.
  2. A strained father-daughter relationship softened in his final months, and small acts like holding his hand and sharing stories brought real comfort.
  3. Pandemic fear and policy split people into opposing camps and deepened isolation, leaving a lasting resolve to be more present for others at the end of life.

The End of an Era

In Bed With Social • 376 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Grief can make us feel heavy and sad, but it also helps us understand what really matters in life. When we lose someone, we start to see everything more clearly and value the little moments.
  2. Technology tries to help us hold on to our loved ones, but it's not the same as real love. We can't replace the feelings we have with digital copies or memories; we need to accept the loss and let love evolve.
  3. True strength comes from learning to live with the idea of impermanence. It’s important to make space for grief, knowing that love will still exist in our memories and shape who we are.

It's Coming Around Again

Disaffected Newsletter • 2697 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Steve is in a peaceful place as he approaches the end of his life, and he feels comforted by the presence of his late wife, Lisa.
  2. Family and friends are coming together to support each other during this difficult time, showing a warm, loving environment.
  3. The narrator reflects on their experience with family gatherings, realizing that not all families have to be filled with conflict and drama.

My Wife Accepted Her Death. Why Can’t I?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 472 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. Even with practical preparations, emotional acceptance can differ: one partner may calmly accept death while the surviving partner struggles to be ready.
  2. Long marriages often shift from sexual passion to a deep shared identity, so losing a spouse feels like losing an essential part of oneself.
  3. Wills and advance directives help with logistics but don’t erase the daily loneliness, sudden tears, or the shock when life unfolds differently than expected.

American Dreamland

Default Wisdom • 466 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. A sudden, traumatic loss of a parent has brought intense grief, vivid dreams, and made writing feel difficult and small.
  2. Paid subscriptions were paused out of guilt, and a new call-in show called American Dreamland is restarting across podcast and social platforms, inviting listeners to call in with predictions.
  3. There’s been a lot of reading and reflection, and an urge to move away from doom-scrolling toward hopeful predictions for 2026, asking people to share what they’re looking forward to.

Anne Gudger Tells Us

Cheryl Strayed • 5817 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. Grief can be a source of strength and transformation in life.
  2. Seek support and share your grief with others who understand.
  3. Advice received and given during times of grief and loss can be powerful in guiding one's journey.

She Lost Her Husband. I Lost My Wife. Now We’re a Couple.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2726 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Finding new love after losing a partner can be complex. Two people can feel happiness together while still grieving their lost spouses.
  2. Dating at an older age often involves different emotions than when you were younger. There's a sense of connection without the urgency of youth.
  3. Accepting the feeling of being single again can be a challenging but necessary step in moving forward after loss.

Future Talk with my Daughter in Heaven

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 2279 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. A conversation between a father and daughter in heaven reflects on past struggles with gender identity
  2. The father expresses regret for not protecting the daughter better and struggles with forgiving those who enabled gender confusion
  3. The daughter acknowledges the impact of her choices on her father, illuminating the challenges of understanding and coping with changing identities

Phone addiction, Stanley stans and the out-of-office message I struggled to send

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 2016 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. The author discusses the challenges of crafting an out-of-office message after a personal tragedy, highlighting the struggle of balancing professionalism and personal disclosure.
  2. The societal expectations around grief and the pressure to provide a 'good excuse' for taking time off work are explored, shedding light on the complexities of navigating personal loss in professional settings.
  3. The post touches on broader themes related to privacy, empathy, and the need for more open conversations around grief and loss, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's emotional state.

Soul Renewal During the Times of Heavy Lies and "the Files"

Tessa Fights Robots • 20 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. Many public voices use rehearsed talking points and spiritual-sounding words to manipulate people, so be cautious about accepting popularity or fancy language as truth.
  2. It’s natural and important to grieve when trusted people or movements betray your expectations, and stepping back to process rather than reacting to media pressure helps you regain clarity.
  3. The antidote is to choose honesty, inner integrity, and courageous aliveness—opt out of performative narratives, defend your truth with love, and walk your path rather than follow crowd control.

Technology and Grieving

Margins by Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk • 5203 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Grief
  1. Technology can help us understand and communicate health issues better. Tools like generative AI can make complex medical information easier to grasp for everyone.
  2. Grieving is a personal journey that everyone experiences differently. It's important to remember that your feelings of loss and sorrow are valid, and sharing your story can help others feel less alone.
  3. Creating memories with loved ones is crucial. Spending time with family, sharing experiences, and cherishing little moments can make a lasting impact, even after they've gone.

NEVER. AGAIN.

COVID Reason • 3588 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. The author expresses frustration with COVID protocols during a family tragedy.
  2. They were angered by the restrictions and lack of compassion from various institutions.
  3. The author vows to never comply with such restrictions again.

Tara Brach On The 'Sacred Art of Pausing'

Changing The Channel • 1335 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. Tara Brach emphasizes the importance of pausing and creating space for empathy and grace to change how we experience life.
  2. To bridge outer divides, we first need to bridge our inner divides by connecting with our emotions and practicing self-compassion and mindfulness.
  3. Acknowledging trauma and allowing space for collective grieving can help in fostering shared humanity and healing in a polarized world.

Of Relationships and 'Rona

Natural Selections • 10 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Lockdowns and rules upended normal life and left many people, especially older people, feeling isolated and lonely.
  2. Small, regular acts of connection — phone calls, messages and visits — can grow into a deep friendship that helps both people feel seen and less alone.
  3. Vaccine mandates and pandemic stigma caused real losses and divisions, including lost roles and jobs, but personal bonds still endured and brought comfort even after loss.

Time Is Love

Daily Dreher • 2063 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. Time is love - Show the ones you care about love by spending time with them.
  2. Express your love now - Don't wait for later to show your love and care for others.
  3. Regret can be a harsh lesson - Failing to prioritize love and connection can lead to lasting regrets.

Lean In, 10 Years Later

My Sweet Dumb Brain • 1749 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. The author has transitioned from focusing on 'leaning in' or 'leaning out' to simply trying to lean in different aspects of life.
  2. Taking on extra work can alleviate financial worries but bring new stressors of time management and choices.
  3. The societal view on work and success has shifted from a 'work harder' mentality to recognizing the importance of balance, mental health, and avoiding burnout.

The Surprising Pleasures of Widowhood

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Losing a partner can bring intense feelings, but it can also lead to unexpected happiness and personal growth. Many find that life after loss can be richer than they anticipated.
  2. Being in a support group for caregivers is helpful, as it offers a safe space to share experiences and emotions with others who understand.
  3. Cherishing the good memories and communicating love at the end can bring peace during difficult times and contribute to healing afterward.

These Grapes Are Sour

The Reclamation Era • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. It's okay to feel sad about what we couldn't achieve. Being honest about our feelings can be tough but it's a part of healing.
  2. Sometimes we convince ourselves that what we didn't get wasn't really valuable. Acknowledging our true desires is important.
  3. Vulnerability can be a strength. Sharing our struggles may help us connect with others and find support.

A Sadness That Holds Hope For Joy

The Recovering Academic • 1108 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. The author's experience in academia made him doubt his profession and himself, leading to a significant shift in his life.
  2. The transition out of academia was filled with sadness and nostalgia, but also led to new beginnings and hope for the future.
  3. The recovery process involved accepting personal truths, finding support in others with similar experiences, and rediscovering joy after difficult times.

The Nature of Change

From the Desk • 45 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. Change is constant and often unpredictable, and it can suddenly alter how we see our future and ourselves.
  2. Big choices like going back to school or taking on new responsibilities bring immediate practical demands but also reshape long-term identity, goals, and confidence.
  3. Other people’s changes—whether serving away or sudden loss—deeply affect families and communities, forcing grief, adjustment, and the need to hold mixed emotions like pride, fear, and gratitude at once.

Remember The Silence

Marginally Compelling • 30 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Being at the bedside of someone who is dying is a profound, sacred act, and denying that presence does real harm.
  2. Pandemic-era isolation policies kept families away from dying loved ones, stealing final moments and silencing many stories.
  3. Death is terrible but transformative; we should meet it with courage, dignity, and love, and let grief be witnessed rather than hidden.

Can we make death better?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 131 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. People who have near-death experiences often report calm, acceptance, or vivid spiritual sensations, which suggests the brain may have ways to ease the transition even if the exact causes aren’t proven.
  2. Much of the fear around death comes from the unknown, worries about meaning, pain, and being alone, so talking openly and making end-of-life plans can reduce suffering for both the dying and their loved ones.
  3. Dying can be improved by expanding palliative and hospice care, creating kinder, more beautiful environments, and offering emotional support like end-of-life doulas, volunteer companions, Death Cafés, and carefully studied therapies (including psychedelics) to ease pain and anxiety.

The Book of Love

Everything Is An Emergency • 2525 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📚 Literature Grief
  1. The author grapples with how to keep the memory of her deceased husband alive for their newborn daughter. She wants to make him a real part of Athena's life, not just a memory.
  2. Writing serves as a way to confront grief and maintain a connection with the past, helping the author hold onto memories of her husband while also creating new stories with her daughter.
  3. The author reflects on the difficulty of moving forward after loss, balancing the urge to keep her husband's story alive while also accepting that she must let him go in some ways.

The Biggest Thing in My Life is Small

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 1375 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. The author reflects on the unique experience of being in a childless couple while most peers are raising kids.
  2. Feelings of shame and guilt may arise in the author due to differences in lifestyle and challenges faced by childless individuals.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of embracing one's own life path and not comparing it to others'.

The Ache

Babbling On • 1297 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. The author reflects on the mixed emotions and struggles he faced after his father's unexpected death.
  2. The funeral on a Super Blue Moon is highlighted as a significant and emotional event.
  3. Memories and stories shared at the funeral display the author's complex relationship and deep love for his father.

The Worst, Worst Week

Culture Study • 8643 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. The author's dog passed away, leading to deep sadness and grief.
  2. The author is also recovering from their first case of COVID, adding to the difficult week.
  3. The author is taking a break from the newsletter to heal and put themselves back together.

Six Hours in Line

Natural Selections • 10 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Grief
  1. Lockdown pulled a family tightly together, turning small rituals like long walks, scavenger-hunt bears, and backyard celebrations into deeply meaningful moments.
  2. Decisions about Covid vaccination were shaped by different health risks and fears—some accepted the shots for protection while one household member had a severe reaction after the second dose.
  3. The sudden death of a young family member with chronic heart defects brought lasting grief and survivor’s guilt, making ordinary shared moments (like six hours standing in line) into treasured memories, and whether the vaccine played a role remains unknown.

Where to go to sleep after all of this?

Escaping Flatland • 1179 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Grief
  1. Grandma shared a story about a dream of having a stroke and her increasing liveliness as death approached.
  2. Grandma had a challenging life, caring for sick family members and living with regrets about her education.
  3. The family gathered and supported each other during grandma's final moments, reflecting on memories and finding solace.

Guns and Jesus

The Friendly Neighbors • 1120 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. Gun violence is a leading cause of death for children in America, surpassing other industrialized nations.
  2. Thoughts and prayers are not enough when addressing gun violence, action is needed for change.
  3. Embracing Jesus's teachings means taking action to create safety and show mercy in a world affected by gun violence.