Grief Support: Why Grief is Like a Pinball Machine

Grief support can feel confusing, chaotic, and impossible to control. To understand it better, imagine it as a pinball machine—each part of the game representing a different stage of the journey.

The Launch (Initial Loss):

The moment grief begins is like pulling back the plunger. A sudden release—violent, unstoppable—sends the pinball (your emotions) hurtling into chaos.

The Bumpers (Triggers):

Grief ricochets off memories, photos, anniversaries, smells—everyday things that jolt you unpredictably. These bumpers aren’t always visible at first but hit hard when touched.

The Flippers (Coping Mechanisms):

These are your attempts to regain control—therapy, support from loved ones, journaling, routine. You slam the flippers to keep the grief from falling into despair, but you can’t always catch it in time.

The Tilt (Overwhelm):

When too much emotion builds up—anger, sadness, confusion—you might “tilt.” The system locks up. You're frozen, stuck. Grief penalizes you for trying too hard to control it.

The Scoreboard (External Perception):

Others may try to “score” how you’re doing. Are you crying enough? Too much? Have you “moved on”? Grief isn’t a game to be won, but society still keeps score.

The Ball Drain (Acceptance? Fatigue?):

Eventually, the ball drains. But another one loads. Grief doesn't end—it just cycles. Some days you're between games. Other days, you're back in the machine, lights flashing, noise overwhelming.

At Ripples Wellbeing, we understand that grief is a deeply personal experience. Our support, guidance, and resources are here to help you navigate the chaos, find moments of calm, and move through the game of grief at your own pace.

You don’t have to face it alone - the journey is easier when you have Ripples Wellbeing by your side.

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