Unprocessed Grief: Rev. Amy Greene on the Hidden Source of Pandemic Rage and Anxiety

Who served as the director of spiritual care for the Cleveland Clinic health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, recently shared a powerful reflection on the emotional toll that the crisis has had on individuals and communities. Greene believes that much of the anger, anxiety, and even animosity seen in society today is rooted in grief that remains unprocessed, a collective mourning that, according to her, has yet to be fully acknowledged or addressed.

The Hidden Weight of Unprocessed Grief

Reflecting on her experience during the pandemic, Rev. Greene observed firsthand how healthcare workers, patients, and families endured overwhelming losses that were compounded by isolation and uncertainty. In her words, “Underneath it all, so much of the rage and angst and animosity, I believe, is unprocessed grief.” Greene’s statement points to a deep-seated emotional wound that may be affecting countless individuals, many of whom are grappling with a unique form of grief that goes beyond the loss of loved ones to include the loss of normalcy, security, and human connection.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives across the globe, bringing about unprecedented levels of stress and trauma. People were separated from family and friends, everyday routines were halted, and health and safety concerns became constant companions. As the world moves forward, many are left struggling to process the emotional weight of those experiences.

Understanding the Scope of Collective Grief

Grief is typically associated with the loss of a loved one, but Rev. Greene emphasizes that the grief spurred by the pandemic is multifaceted. Beyond the loss of life, people have had to cope with missed milestones, lost opportunities, and the deep impact of prolonged isolation. These experiences have created a form of collective grief that, according to Greene, may be fueling today’s societal anger and divisions.

“People often think of grief as something tied solely to death, but the truth is, grief encompasses so much more,” Greene explained. “We grieve when we lose jobs, relationships, or even our sense of identity.” The pandemic has created countless such losses, leaving many people without the tools or time to process them fully. As the former director of spiritual care at Cleveland Clinic, Greene has a unique perspective on this issue, having supported both patients and staff members through some of the pandemic’s darkest days.

The Role of Spiritual Care in Healing

Rev. Greene’s work at Cleveland Clinic involved providing emotional and spiritual support to those dealing with illness, loss, and life-altering challenges. During the pandemic, her role became even more critical as frontline healthcare workers faced not only an onslaught of cases but also the overwhelming emotional toll of seeing patients suffer and die at unprecedented rates.

For Greene, spiritual care is about more than religious guidance; it’s about providing a space for individuals to confront and process their grief. “Spiritual care offers people a way to explore their pain and find meaning in it,” she said. She believes that helping people acknowledge and work through their grief can alleviate some of the anger and frustration that have become so prevalent.

Greene’s insights underscore the importance of mental health and emotional healing resources as society continues to recover from the pandemic. In her view, without addressing the collective grief, individuals and communities may remain stuck in cycles of anger and despair, unable to move forward.

The Long-Term Impact of Unaddressed Grief

Many mental health professionals, like Rev. Greene, warn that unprocessed grief can have lasting consequences. Studies have shown that unresolved grief can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems. In a society that often pressures individuals to “move on” quickly, there may be limited opportunities to process traumatic experiences fully.

Rev. Greene believes that the pandemic created an emotional burden too vast to ignore. “People are holding onto pain, often without realizing it,” she remarked. “This unprocessed grief manifests in many ways, including anger, anxiety, and even hostility.” Greene’s insights suggest that the emotional fallout from the pandemic could persist for years unless steps are taken to address it collectively.

Pathways to Healing and Reconciliation

According to Greene, healing from such widespread grief requires collective acknowledgment and individual support. She advocates for spaces where people can openly share their experiences and find solace in community. This could involve therapy, support groups, or spiritual counseling – whatever provides individuals with the means to address their feelings constructively.

Rev. Greene also highlights the role of community leaders, educators, and healthcare providers in facilitating healing. She calls for initiatives that recognize the grief and trauma left in the pandemic’s wake, urging society to avoid the “return to normal” mindset that neglects the emotional toll of the past few years.

Moving Forward with Compassion

For many, processing grief involves taking time to confront and understand it, something that may be at odds with the pace of modern life. Rev. Greene’s message to those struggling is one of patience and compassion. “Healing takes time, and it doesn’t happen in isolation,” she said. “We need to make space for one another’s pain and understand that we’re all carrying invisible burdens.”

Her words remind us that, in the quest for post-pandemic recovery, it is essential to acknowledge the emotional wounds that remain. Greene’s work in spiritual care offers a pathway for individuals to explore these wounds and find peace, allowing for a future less burdened by anger and resentment.

A Call to Recognize and Address Collective Grief

Rev. Amy Greene’s perspective on unprocessed grief shines a light on an often-overlooked aspect of the pandemic’s aftermath. As a society, acknowledging this grief may be the first step toward healing and reconciliation. Greene’s insights encourage a compassionate approach, reminding us of the importance of addressing emotional pain and fostering spaces where individuals feel seen and heard. Only by doing so can we hope to alleviate the collective anger and anxiety that have become so pervasive, paving the way for a more resilient and understanding society.