Lena sits in her therapist’s office.

Dr Lee: So, Lena, how have you been? This is your fourth sessions with me since your uncle’s passing.

Lena: Oh yeah. Nah, I’m good, thanks. Just stressed about end of semester exams. I want to make the Dean’s List. And I’m just exhausted and fatigued all the time. It’s annoying.

Dr Lee: No doubt you will make the Dean’s List. Your marks are incredible. I want to touch on how you’re feeling about your uncle. Last session we spoke about talking about your grief.

Lena: No, I’m OK. I don’t really have time to think about it because I’m so focused on exams.

Dr Lee: Are you still experiencing those waves of grief?

Lena: Yeah.

Dr Lee: Can you tell me more about them?

Lena: It’s not much, really. I just get super sad and cry uncontrollably. But then I remind myself that I have other things to do.

Dr Lee: What else happens during these waves?

Lena stares at him.

Dr Lee: What else are you feeling or doing?

Lena: Nothing. (shrugs)

Dr Lee: Why don’t you want to talk about this?

Lena doesn’t respond.

Dr Lee: Lena, my analysis of what has been happening is that not letting yourself grieve is what’s causing your constant physical and mental fatigue.

Lena: I mean, I know that, but like I said, I don’t have time to deal with it right now. I’ll get to it in January between the 8^th and the 11^th. Those are my least busy days.

Dr Lee: You can’t schedule grief. But if you’re not ready to talk about it, I understand. It seems our time is up. I’ll see you in two weeks.

Lena: Yep.

Tell us: Do you think talking about grief can help? Why or why not?