Aubrey Plaza Compares Grief Over Husband’s Death to ‘Ocean of Awfulness

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Aubrey Plaza Details ‘Giant Ocean of awfulness’ in First Public Remarks on HusbandS Death

Actor Aubrey Plaza has revealed the depths of her sorrow following the January death of her husband, Jeff Baena, describing her grief as an overwhelming and persistent force. Plaza shared her experiences during a conversation on the “Good Hang with amy Poehler” podcast, offering her moast detailed public comments to date about navigating life after loss.

A Daily Struggle With Grief

Plaza, known for her roles in “Parks and Recreation” and numerous films, admitted that while she is functioning and grateful for her ability to continue moving forward, overcoming her grief remains a daily challenge. “I’m here and I’m functioning,” Plaza told Poehler. “I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I’m OK. But it’s like a daily struggle, obviously.”

Grief as an Overwhelming Force

The actor powerfully illustrated the all-encompassing nature of her grief, comparing it to a haunting image from the Apple TV+ horror film “The Gorge.” Plaza explained, “Did you see that movie ‘The Gorge?’ In the movie, there’s a cliff on one side and then there’s a cliff on the other side, and there’s a gorge in between, and its filled with all these monster people trying to get them.” She continued, “And I swear when I watched it I was like, ‘That feels like what my grief is like,’ or what grief could be like … were it’s like at all times, there’s a giant ocean of awfulness that’s right there and I can see it.”

This analogy highlights the constant presence of sorrow and the feeling of being surrounded by overwhelming negative emotions.

Remembering Jeff Baena

Jeff Baena was a prolific writer and director, recognized for his collaboration with David O. russell on the 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees.” He also wrote and directed five feature films and frequently worked with Plaza, most notably on the 2014 zombie comedy “Life After Beth.” His passing was ruled a suicide.

Here’s a summary of Baena’s career:

Role	Project	Year
Writer	I Heart Huckabees	2004
Writer/Director	Life After Beth	2014
Director	The Little Hours	2017
Director	Horse Girl	2020

Plaza’s willingness to speak openly about her grief coincides with the promotion of her latest film, “Honey Don’t!” a dark comedy directed by Ethan Coen, alongside Margaret Qualley. This project marks a return to the screen for Plaza after a period of personal loss.

Did You Know? Grief is a natural

How does Aubrey PlazaS metaphor of “an ocean of awfulness” relate to the clinical understanding of intense grief or prolonged grief disorder?

Aubrey Plaza on Grief: “An Ocean of Awfulness” – Navigating Loss adn Finding Resilience

Aubrey Plaza, known for her deadpan delivery and darkly comedic roles, recently opened up about the profound grief she experienced following the death of her husband, Jeff Baena’s, father. Her raw and honest description – comparing the experience to “an ocean of awfulness” – has resonated deeply with many, sparking conversations about the complexities of bereavement and the often isolating nature of loss. This article delves into Plaza’s statements, explores the psychological impact of grief, and offers resources for coping with profound sadness.

Understanding Plaza’s Metaphor: The Immensity of Grief

Plaza’s choice of words – “an ocean of awfulness” – is particularly striking. It conveys several key aspects of the grieving process:

Overwhelming Scale: An ocean is vast and seemingly endless, mirroring the feeling that grief can consume a person entirely. This aligns with the experience of intense grief and prolonged grief disorder.

Unpredictability: Oceans are dynamic and turbulent.Grief,similarly,doesn’t follow a linear path; it ebbs and flows with unexpected waves of emotion.

Depth and Darkness: The depths of the ocean are dark and unkown, representing the hidden and frequently enough frightening emotions that surface during bereavement – anger, guilt, despair.

Isolation: Being lost at sea can evoke feelings of profound loneliness, a common experience for those navigating loss. Bereavement support groups can help combat this isolation.

The Psychological Impact of Loss: beyond Sadness

Grief isn’t simply sadness.It’s a complex emotional, physical, and cognitive response to loss. Plaza’s experience highlights the intensity of this response.Here’s a breakdown of the common psychological effects:

Emotional Distress: This includes sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, and numbness.Emotional regulation techniques can be helpful.

Cognitive Changes: difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and intrusive thoughts are common. Mindfulness practices can aid in refocusing attention.

Physical Symptoms: Grief can manifest physically as fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and even physical pain. Self-care is crucial during this time.

Behavioral Changes: Social withdrawal, restlessness, and changes in daily routines are frequently observed. Maintaining social connections, even small ones, can be beneficial.

Coping Mechanisms & Finding Resilience After Loss

while grief is a deeply personal experience, certain strategies can aid in navigating the pain and fostering resilience.

Allow Yourself to Feel: Suppressing emotions can prolong the grieving process. Acknowledge and validate your feelings, even the uncomfortable ones.Journaling can be a helpful outlet.

Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist. Grief counseling provides a safe space to process emotions and develop coping strategies.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize physical and emotional well-being. This includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising, and engaging in activities you enjoy.

Establish a Routine: While it may be arduous, maintaining a daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability.

Engage in Meaningful Activities: Finding purpose and meaning in life after loss can be a powerful source of healing. This could involve volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with others.

The Role of Creative Expression in Grief

Aubrey Plaza herself is a creative artist. Many find solace and healing through creative outlets.

Art Therapy: Using art as a means of expression can bypass verbal processing and allow for the release of pent-up emotions.

Writing: Poetry,songwriting,or simply journaling can provide a cathartic release.

Music: Listening to or creating music can evoke emotions and offer comfort.

Drama/acting: Exploring emotions through role-playing can be a powerful way to process grief.

Resources for Grief Support

If you are struggling with grief, remember you are not alone. Here are some resources that can provide support:

The Grief Recovery Method: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

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