How to Prepare for Mass Shock, Disillusionment and Grief
What to Expect When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart
For the exhausted, worn out, and stretched thin—you know who you are. Maybe it feels like you’ve been in survival mode for too long, and yet here you are, in a moment no one prepared you for. If it feels like everything’s collapsing, know that you're seen. This is written for those who’ve been carrying weight that seems like too much, wondering if anyone understands. I see you. And there’s no easy fix, but there is a way through.
When a massive group of people enters shock, disillusionment, and grief, everything changes. Expectations are shattered, and we’re left scrambling to make sense of it. Frustration is the gap between expectations. The higher the hope, the deeper the grief.
The days and weeks ahead will likely be marked by questions, finger-pointing, and “what ifs.” People will want to place blame—on leaders, on systems, even on each other. We’re wired to find a reason for suffering. It’s natural, but we have to remember: no single person, or even group, has all the answers. In the middle of this kind of storm, you can’t prepare for every wave, but you can brace yourself.
The Reality of Collective Grief
Grief hits like waves, sometimes small and bearable, other times fierce and unexpected. And when it’s collective, it magnifies. Unprocessed grief, especially on this scale, often manifests in bitterness, anger, and disconnection. But grief expressed? That’s different. It’s powerful, but it requires courage and space. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick. There’s no shortcut through it.
When grief goes unexpressed, it festers. It builds layers of resentment, defensiveness, and fear. It pushes people to isolation, feeling unseen, and unsure of who they can trust. It even impacts our physical bodies. Studies show that prolonged grief and stress accumulate as tension in the muscles, nervous system, and organs. This is why you’re tired to your core.
Hopelessness Will Creep In
Hopelessness is like a shadow; it’ll start to darken individual and collective spirits. We’ll see people doubt their beliefs, their values, and maybe even their own worth. It’s a natural response to everything we’ve endured. But let’s be real—it’s dangerous to let hopelessness go unchecked. Because when people start to believe there’s no way out, they stop trying.
Faith and faithlessness will both show up in waves. Sometimes you’ll feel strong, and other times, you’ll feel like everything you’ve believed in is slipping through your fingers. When that doubt creeps in, remember, it’s okay. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.
In moments like these, we’ll need an exponential amount of grace and kindness toward each other. A single act of compassion can ripple outward, countering the fear and uncertainty. Look out for one another. Don’t underestimate the impact of a listening ear or an honest check-in. Simple gestures can re-anchor someone when they’re feeling lost.
For Those Leading Others
If you’re responsible for a team or a group, prepare to hold space. You may not have the perfect words or immediate solutions, but that’s okay. What people need most right now isn’t perfection—it’s presence. They need leaders who can stay calm, be honest, and admit that they, too, are navigating uncertainty. Vulnerability doesn’t undermine leadership; it strengthens it.
Help people focus on what’s within reach. Encourage them to keep routines, even small ones, because stability in one area can help them stay grounded. Don’t brush off their concerns or try to push them into “positivity mode” too soon. Sit with them in the discomfort. This shared humanity might be the strongest thing you bring to the table.
Tools for Navigating the Days Ahead
Allow Yourself to Grieve – This isn’t something you can bypass. Process it in ways that resonate with you, whether it’s talking, journaling, meditating, or simply sitting with it. There’s no right way to grieve.
Anchor in Small, Meaningful Actions – In a time of chaos, focus on what you can control. These small anchors can give you stability and purpose, even in the middle of uncertainty.
Focus on Connection – Seek out genuine conversations, even if it’s just one person. Talk about the hard stuff. Grief shared is grief lightened.
Embrace a Rhythm of Rest – This may sound impossible, but make space for moments of rest, however brief. Grief and shock are exhausting. Your body and mind need to recharge, even in small ways.
Be Kind to Yourself and Others – Everyone is carrying something. Mistakes will be made, and tensions will flare. Show compassion where you can. We will need an exponential amount of grace and kindness towards each other.
This isn’t a sprint, and it’s not a battle you’re fighting alone. Give yourself time, and give others time. If frustration is the gap between expectations, then perhaps the key to easing that frustration is to reset those expectations.
We’re all in unknown territory, but we’re in it together. Prepare for waves of grief, anger, hopelessness, and—eventually—healing. It’ll take longer than we’d like, and it may cost us more than we anticipated. But if we can keep showing up with open hearts, we’ll come through stronger, even if scarred.
You’re not alone in this. Keep going, keep showing up for each other, and keep a steady hand on what matters.
Standing with you and sending you love,
m