Lately, I’ve been reflecting on a group that is so often overlooked in the grief process: men. Society sometimes expects men to “be strong” or keep emotions tucked away, but the truth is, loss touches everyone—and men deserve the same compassion, support, and understanding as anyone else on this healing journey.
One story that moved me deeply is that of Tony Lynch, a dedicated grief coach and founder of Memories of Us Ltd. After the unimaginable loss of his son, Tony found himself spiraling through darkness and isolation. There were few places for men to turn, few spaces where their pain was seen and honored. Instead of giving up, Tony chose to create what he couldn’t find—a safe community for men to grieve, heal, and rebuild.
His journey is a powerful reminder: grief doesn’t discriminate. Men hurt, too. And sometimes, the bravest thing is to reach out for help or to simply say, “I’m not okay.” Tony’s work, from his global support groups to his heartfelt podcast, shines a light on the many ways men process loss—sometimes quietly, sometimes with anger, sometimes with tears, and sometimes through action. All of it is valid.
If you or someone you care about is navigating grief, especially as a man, know that your feelings matter. Here are a few gentle reminders for anyone supporting a grieving man (or for men supporting themselves):
- Allow space for every emotion. There’s no “right” way to grieve. Anger, sadness, numbness, even laughter—they all belong.
- Encourage honest conversations. Sometimes just listening is the most powerful gift you can give.
- Offer practical support. Small gestures—like sharing a meal or inviting someone for a walk—can mean the world.
- Remind them they’re not alone. Community makes a difference. If you’re looking for a starting point, Tony’s story and resources are a beacon of hope.
At Over Abundance of Light, my mission is to create a safe, compassionate space for every person—man or woman—walking through loss. If this message resonates, or if you need a gentle place to land, I invite you to schedule a Free 30 Minute Grief Recovery Coaching Session. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
With hope and encouragement,
Dawn
- Men and Grief: Overlooked in Society: Society often expects men to be strong and conceal emotions, but grief affects everyone, and men deserve equal support and understanding.
- Tony Lynch’s Story of Supporting Men in Grief: Tony Lynch, after losing his son, created a safe community and resources for men to grieve, heal, and rebuild, highlighting that grief does not discriminate by gender.
- Creating a Compassionate Space for All in Grief Recovery: The mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for anyone experiencing loss, emphasizing that help is available and no one needs to heal alone.
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