Grief Doesn't Isolate People. Other People Do.
In this brief talk, grief expert David Kessler challenges the common belief that grieving individuals isolate themselves, arguing that it is often the responses of others that create isolation. He explains how grief exerts a "gravitational pull" toward the past, distorting the sense of time and making the future feel frightening. To counteract this, Kessler recommends establishing predictable, low‑stress routines—such as regular check‑in calls or familiar walks—to help regulate the grieving person’s nervous system. He also offers concrete, low‑effort ways to support someone who appears isolated, like dropping off soup, bringing coffee, or simply showing up and listening, emphasizing that isolation is frequently a symptom of nervous‑system overload rather than emotional withdrawal.
