Specific Losses & Trauma

Grieving the loss of a child is a long, difficult journey. Like all mourners, bereaved parents are in terrible pain and very often feel guilty because they were unable to protect their child from whatever caused their death. A parent’s role is to keep their children out of harm’s way. So, no matter what the circumstances, not doing so feels like a failure of the worst kind. Even middle-aged to older parents who lose children in their 20s, 30s and 40s and older suffer a great deal of guilt and self-blame. 

Losing a child is not as uncommon an occurrence as one might think. Although children between the ages of 1 and 14 account for less than 5% of total deaths in the U.S., the rate of suicide in young people ages 10 to 24 tripled between 2007 and 2017. And while the number of children killed in car crashes has been decreasing steadily over the past few decades, the number of young people who fell victim to homicide or drug overdose has skyrocketed in recent years. Add to this the number of adult children who die before one or both parents, and the percentage of parents who outlive their children is surprisingly quite high. According to the nonprofit Evermore, an estimated 19% of adults in the U.S. have lost at least one child. 

In addition to feelings of guilt and self-recrimination, parents who are grieving the loss of a child experience many intense emotions, including sadness, regret, helplessness, hopelessness and, sometimes,a wish to die. Anger is also a very common response to the death of a child: Children aren’t’ “supposed to” die, and grieving parents will often look for someone to blame. It’s not uncommon for parents to blame each other, the medical team, God, or themselves. Self-blame is particularly difficult because it can easily lead to feelings of worthlessness, shame and thoughts of self-harm. 

Social isolation is also a common outcome after a child dies. Our grief-averse culture does not have a good framework for supporting families of children who have died. People don’t know how to respond,  so they stay away or resort to tired platitudes that do nothing to comfort the grieving family. Marriages and partnerships often fracture under the strain. 

Nor are parents the only people who are deeply affected by a child’s death. Grandparents suffer as well, grieving not only for the child who died but for the suffering of their own child. Siblings, who are very often forgotten in the aftermath of the death, also grieve, although they may not show their grief in ways that parents recognize. For instance, a toddler who was previously potty trained might start wetting the bed again, or a well-behaved teenager might suddenly begin breaking curfew and skipping school. 

Children who lose a sibling may also suffer from survivor’s guilt and even blame themselves for their brother’s or sister’s death. And, like adults, they may feel guilty if their last interactions with that sibling were negative or unpleasant.  For all these reasons and more, families who have lost a child often need ongoing counseling for many years after a child’s death. 

Sources

“Parental Bereavement during Mid-to-Later Life: Pre-to-Post-Bereavement Functioning and Intrapersonal Resources for Coping”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3556368/ 

“Suicides by drug overdose increased among young people, elderly people, and Black women, despite overall downward trend”. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://archives.nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/02/suicides-by-drug-overdose-increased-among-young-people-elderly-people-and-black-women-despite-overall-downward-trend 

“Grief & Bereavement Key Facts”. Evermore. https://evermore.org/key-bereavement-facts/ 

“What Everybody Should Know about Survivor’s Guilt”. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empowerment-diary/201801/what-everybody-should-know-about-survivors-guilt 

Coping with grief after a violent death is often a challenging and complex experience. However, some strategies may encourage healing, such as setting boundaries and sharing your feelings. A violent death may be a homicide, suicide, accident, drug overdose, or other cause of death that is typically sudden and traumatic. Individuals navigating their grief after losing a loved one due to a violent death may experience overwhelming emotions such as anger, confusion, shock, disbelief, fear, guilt, regret, or shame. Depending on the circumstances, they might also struggle with reliving the events surrounding the death and having disturbing thoughts or nightmares. 

Setting boundaries is a vital strategy early in the grief process since it relates to reliving or being retraumatized by the violent death. Interactions with loved ones, law enforcement officials, or news media can often trigger reminders or flashbacks of the death and intensify emotions. By setting boundaries, you can define what you’re willing to talk about concerning the loss and when you’ll feel the most prepared to have those conversations. Your decision to set boundaries can help reduce some of the feelings of anger, hopelessness, or fear that you might experience. 

Sharing your feelings is another way to cope with your grief. Many people benefit from connecting with friends or family when grieving a loved one lost to a violent death. Others might not initially feel comfortable expressing their feelings to their social circle. Options such as attending a support group or a bereavement camp can help create safe spaces where you can share your feelings with others who have experienced similar losses. Another potential option is to start journaling about your thoughts and feelings about the loss consistently, allowing you to express how you feel about the loss while still maintaining your privacy. 

Establishing rituals to honor your loved one is another way people cope with grief after a violent death. The creation of rituals can allow you to regain a sense of control in remembering your loved one in a positive and meaningful manner instead of associating thoughts of them with the cause of death. Due to the highly personal nature of the grief experience, it is crucial to understand that you may create rituals or develop strategies unique to the loss of your loved one. However, if you struggle to cope with the loss or your grief experience becomes too overwhelming, it is a good idea to seek guidance and support from a professional.

Sources

“Violent Death”. The Centre for the Grief Journey. https://griefjourney.com/article-library/violent-death/ 

“As Suicide Rates Rise, Bereavement Camps Bring Healing to Kids Left Behind”. Time. https://time.com/6286420/suicide-bereavement-camps-kids/

“Grief Journaling: Unlock Solace and Peace in Just a Few Minutes a Day”. Heather Stang. https://heatherstang.com/grief-journaling/# 

The loss of a twin or triplet is a complex and intense experience that is distinct from the experience of losing a sibling. Twins and triplets share a profound bond, rooted in a deeper sense of identity and companionship. This connection is unique, and the loss of a twin or triplet can leave the survivor feeling as though a part of themselves or their identity is lost. 

Individuals who have lost a twin or triplet often state that they feel that they are incomplete or consistently lonely. Like other siblings, they can experience survivor’s guilt, but it is even more difficult for them to understand why their twin or triplet died instead of them in the context of their overall similarities. These similarities can also increase the severity and duration of the grief experienced, particularly among identical twins. Their grief may also be exacerbated when other individuals mistake the surviving twin or triplet for the person who died or comment on the noticeable similarities. 

Some individuals never realize that they are a twin or triplet until a parent or relative informs them after they reach adulthood. This is more common when a twin or triplet’s death occurs during pregnancy or infancy, preventing the surviving siblings from having prior memories or knowledge of the twin or triplet who died. This can be overwhelming since survivors then have to navigate feelings of shock and emotional overwhelm associated with discovering previously withheld information. A sense of loss of identity is still likely under these circumstances since these individuals either lived their lives as only children instead of twins or as twins instead of triplets due the secrecy surrounding the loss. 

Some twins experience phantom pains or begin to emulate the behaviors and persona of the twin who died. Twins and triplets who have experienced a loss may also feel a unique sense of isolation since they may feel that other individuals, including family members, don’t fully understand the depth or their loss. For these individuals, connecting in support groups with other twins or triplets who have been impacted by loss can be particularly helpful. Additionally, working with mental health professionals specializing in twin or triplet bereavement is typically recommended since a twin or triplet loss can quickly progress into traumatic loss for surviving siblings. 

Sources

“My twin died, I survived”. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/20/my-twin-died-i-survived 

Secondary loss refers to the psychological, emotional, and social challenges that may follow after an initial loss, which is referred to as a primary loss. These secondary losses may happen immediately after a death or may gradually emerge over time. Like primary losses, secondary losses can disrupt and affect various aspects of someone’s life such as their sense of identity or their relationships with other people.

The term “secondary” does not mean that the loss is any less intense or meaningful in than the primary loss, but refers to the experience in relation to the initial or primary loss instead. Although primary losses often cause significant life changes, secondary losses can be equally powerful and painful to navigate. For example, the death of a partner would be considered a primary loss, but the loss of companionship and the ability to achieve shared goals together would be considered secondary losses. The experience of navigating a new identity in the absence of one’s partner would be another secondary loss. Examples of secondary loss can include:

• Loss of identity 
• Loss of faith
• Loss of financial independence
• Loss of companionship 
• Loss of support system
• Loss of shared dreams or goals 
• Loss of confidence 
• Loss of safety or security
• Loss of purpose or direction
• Loss of family structure 

Sometimes secondary loss can also present as disenfranchised loss or ambiguous loss. This can occur when other individuals don’t recognize the experiences or burdens as a type of loss and fail to properly acknowledge them or validate the emotions associated with grieving over them. In those instances, secondary loss is also disenfranchised loss. Similarly, sometimes individuals who are actively navigating secondary loss don’t recognize these experiences or psychological and emotional burdens as losses. They may also feel uncertain if they should even experience feelings of grief and sadness over these experiences. This is a secondary loss that also presents as ambiguous loss. 

Secondary losses illustrate the multifaceted nature of grief and loss, as well as the immense value of resilience among bereaved individuals. It is crucial to acknowledge secondary losses in the grieving process since they can influence each individual’s ability to cope. Finally, understanding secondary losses can make it easier to help bereaved individuals find appropriate resources and suitable support in their journey towards healing their grief.

Sources 

“Distinguishing Primary and Secondary Loss”. Grief Journey. Retrieved from https://griefjourney.com/startjourney/when-you-are-grieving/distinguishing-primary-and-secondary-loss/ 

“A Deep Dive Into Secondary Loss”. What’s Your Grief? Retrieved from https://whatsyourgrief.com/a-deep-dive-into-secondary-loss/ 

Some common ways to cope after suicide loss include joining support groups, prioritizing self-care, seeking mental health support from a professional, and sharing how you feel with people in your support system, such as friends or family. It is important to remember that everyone’s grief experience is different, and coping mechanisms can vary. Losing a loved one to suicide is often a deeply personal and painful experience, so being patient with yourself and processing the loss at a pace that feels right for you can make it easier to implement coping strategies. 

Many people find benefit in sharing their emotions about the loss with their friends and family, especially those who knew the person who died. Keeping your emotions about the loss to yourself can make it more challenging to navigate your grief and may even limit your ability to process the loss. If you do not feel comfortable discussing the loss with your personal support system, joining a support group is an alternative that may be effective. Some people find that support groups are helpful since they connect them with other survivors of suicide loss. Support groups can also provide a safe space where attendees achieve mutual understanding and comfort through their shared experiences. 

Some people aren’t comfortable sharing how they feel in support groups since grief and loss are often very personal and private experiences. Seeking more individualized support by working with a mental health professional is another way to develop healthy coping mechanisms and express your feelings in a safe space without judgment. Many mental health professionals specialize in providing support to survivors suicide loss, often tailoring therapeutic interventions, techniques, and exercises to the unique needs of each individual. 

Remembering to take care of yourself and prioritize your needs can be difficult when you are grieving. Sometimes even basic actions such as hygiene or preparing food can become overwhelming due to the intensity and range of emotions experienced while grieving. However, establishing a routine and remaining consistent with eating healthy meals, taking breaks, exercising, or focusing on other tasks that foster your well-being will help form the healthy coping skills that you will need throughout your grief journey. 

Sources

“Coping After Suicide Loss”. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/coping-tips.pdf 

“Suicide Grief: Coping with a Loved One’s Suicide”. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/grief/coping-with-a-loved-ones-suicide 

“The Importance of Self-Care for Suicide Loss Survivors”. Samaritans. https://samaritanshope.org/resources/the-importance-of-self-care-for-suicide-loss-survivors/ 

First, please understand that feeling sad after a miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth is completely natural and in fact, all your feelings following this experience are valid. Emotions may swing from grief to relief to guilt and beyond — this can be a very traumatic experience and you are allowed to feel however you do. When it comes to feelings of grief after pregnancy or infant loss, it’s important to be gentle with yourself and allow time and space for the processing of your emotions. 

It’s also helpful to remember there’s no one-size-fits-all, “right” or “wrong” approach to dealing with grief. Everyone grieves differently and in their own time. While some may find comfort in talking openly about the loss, others might prefer to process it on their own or with a few close friends or family members. Some may find solace in creative activities like journaling or art, while others may find it helpful to seek out a support group or therapist.

Dealing with grief after pregnancy or infant loss

Even though the grief may never fully go away, it can become more manageable over time with patience and understanding. Caring for your body along with your mental and emotional well-being during this journey can help you heal. Ways to process grief take many forms, none more or less valid than any other. Some suggestions are: 

• Create a memorial space, memory box, or memory book. This can include mementos such as photographs, written stories, gifts, notes or anything that holds significance toward the loss
• Do a ritual such as lighting a candle, planting a tree, or creating a ceremony honoring the loss. This can be on your own or with supportive family and friends, done just once or repeated every year
• Get commemorative jewelry. A special piece featuring a comforting phrase, particular birthstone, or supportive religious imagery can be a physical source of solace
• Write about your experience. You can record the story of your experience or note down any other expressions it inspires. This doesn’t have to be poetry — simple journaling often helps relieve overwhelming thoughts
• Express your loss through a creative medium. Drawing, doodling, coloring, working with Play-Doh — bringing your potentially challenging or repressed feelings into the open through art can help you process them
• Find an online community. There are many online resources such as websites, forums and support groups that can provide helpful information and guidance
• Seek professional help if needed. If you find yourself unable to manage your day-to-day life following a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion, connecting with a counselor or therapist can be key

No matter what your experience with grief may be, it is important to remember that everyone has different needs and coping strategies. Each journey through grief is unique and valid and there is no timeline or deadline that needs to be followed in order to heal. Allow yourself permission to feel what you need to feel, while also remembering that there are people (and resources) available to offer their support along the way. This might not make the pain go away, but it can help you to move through this difficult time. 

Sources

“Babyloss Grieving Rituals”. The Center for Growth. https://thecenterforgrowth.com/tips/grieving-rituals-for-baby-loss 

“13 Ways to Memorialize Your Miscarriage: Honoring a Pregnancy Loss”. Miscarriage Hope Desk. https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/memorialize-your-miscarriage/ 

“Journaling for Emotional Wellness”. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1 

“Loss and Grief in Pregnancy and Postpartum”. Postpartum Support International. https://postpartum.net/get-help/loss-grief-in-pregnancy-postpartum/ 

Coping with the loss of a loved one to a drug overdose will require time to navigate the experience of grief and mourning, a greater focus on self-care, and support from loved ones. Everyone grieves and processes loss differently, so there is no specific approach that is guaranteed to provide relief or comfort following such a loss. However, there are some strategies that can be helpful in fostering healthy coping skills. 

First and foremost, it is important to understand that your loved one’s substance use and overdose are not your fault. There may be feelings of guilt and regret that emerge after the loss of a loved one to an overdose. It is common for individuals to blame themselves, but in most instances, there isn’t anything that they could have done to prevent this outcome. Sometimes feelings of guilt may also emerge due to feeling relieved that a loved one’s addictive behaviors are over. Although it can be difficult to put this emotion into perspective, it is crucial to realize that feeling relieved that a loved one’s addictive behaviors are over does not mean that you wanted them to die or do not grieve their loss. Learning more about substance use disorder and addiction can help you understand your loss in relation to the progression and course of your loved one’s disease. 

Allow yourself the time and space to grieve the loss of your loved one, understanding that the circumstances of their death do not define their importance or value as an individual. Sometimes people may unintentionally disenfranchise your grief by making statements that are not truly representative of the loss you have experienced. Dedicate time to honoring and remembering your loved one, emphasizing what you loved the most about them. This may include creating a memorial or participating in activities that your loved one enjoyed. Maintaining their legacy can become a source of comfort and connection. 

Many people benefit from attending support group sessions with people who have experienced similar losses, especially if it feels as if friends and family don’t fully understand the challenges associated with addiction loss. Options like Nar-Anon and Al-Anon provide support to individuals who are coping with a loved one’s addiction and can be helpful resources in finding appropriate support groups. Additionally, working with mental health professionals or bereavement specialists with expertise regarding this type of loss can help you to navigate many of the emotions and thoughts that are unique to losing a loved one to an overdose. 

Sources

“Five Tips to Help You Through the Grief of an Overdose Death”. Addicted. https://www.addicted.org/news/five-tips-to-help-you-through-the-grief-of-an-overdose-death/ 

“Death from Overdose”. Essentia Health. https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/behavioral-mental-health-services/grief-bereavement-support/resources/death-from-overdose 

“Substance abuse and overdose… When a loved one dies”. Hospice of the Western Reserve. https://pcssnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Grief-and-Overdose-Death.pdf 

“How to Process a Loss Due to Overdose”. Remembering a Life. https://www.rememberingalife.com/blogs/blog/how-to-process-a-loss-due-to-overdose 

People who have lost loved ones to a natural disaster or war often experience intense and overwhelming grief due to the sudden, violent, and unexpected nature of these deaths. Some individuals experience a sense of shock or denial. In contrast, others may feel numb or lost in response to the trauma associated with the disaster. In war-related losses, some individuals may also experience feelings of injustice, anger, betrayal, or depression. In some instances, grief may worsen and result in the onset of a psychiatric disorder such as post-traumatic stress disorder, complicated grief, or prolonged grief disorder. 

Another common response to losing a loved one to a natural disaster or war is survivor’s guilt. Survivor’s guilt may be event-based or existential. Event-based survivor’s guilt occurs when individuals question why their loved ones died in a traumatic event while they survived. They may express frustration and shame because they were unable to protect others. They may also fear that something they did or did not do caused others to die, even if that fear has no basis in real events. Existential survivor’s guilt, on the other hand,  is less about a specific event and more about a general sense of unfairness. For example, people who survived a COVID-19 infection may feel guilty because so many others in similar circumstances did not survive.  

There is a higher risk of bereavement complications associated with deaths from natural disasters and similar tragedies. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, it may not be possible to retrieve or identify the body of a loved one, and this can further exacerbate feelings of denial. The inability to view the body or conceptualize the death following a natural disaster or war can make it challenging for individuals to process the finality of the circumstances. This may result in ambiguous loss, similar to what people experience in missing persons cases. 

Supporting individuals who have lost loved ones in a war or natural disaster is immensely important in helping them form healthy coping mechanisms as they navigate the grief associated with a traumatic loss. Access to support groups, counseling, and other resources can aid bereaved individuals in their efforts to heal after the loss. Additionally, listening to them and validating their emotions can further facilitate their acceptance of the loss and moving through their grief.  

Sources

“Managing Grief After Disaster Events”. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/disaster_events/for_providers/managing_grief.asp 

“Dreading Yet Hoping: Traumatic Loss Impacted by Reference DNA Sample Collection for Families of Missing People”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9013849/ 

Finding a loved one’s body after they have died can be a deeply distressing and traumatic experience, so it is important to allow yourself to process the shock and intense emotions that typically follow. Seeking support from your social circle of friends and family, or working closely with a mental health professional can be an excellent source of comfort, strength, and guidance. Some individuals may also achieve a sense of solace through the pursuit of self-care or activities that are meaningful to them, such as practicing mindfulness or channeling their emotions into creative or therapeutic outlets like art therapy.

Coping with finding a loved one’s body after their death can be immensely challenging since it can be difficult to separate yourself from the vivid images that remain in your memory long after the discovery has occurred. Although you might seek closure through a viewing ceremony, a memorial, or a funeral service, you may still struggle with the memories surrounding your loved one’s death. Additionally, intense emotions may emerge as you proceed with grieving the loss of your loved one, but feeling nothing at all is also a normal reaction associated with the overall shock of this personal tragedy. 

Given the traumatic nature of the experience, many people find it helpful to seek counseling or therapy with a mental health professional. Depending on the nature of the death and the circumstances surrounding the cause of death, it may be particularly helpful to work with someone who specializes in treating traumatic grief. As you explore the memories and the emotions associated with the experience of finding your loved one’s body after they died, your mental health provider may make additional suggestions regarding specific types of therapy or other resources that can further facilitate the healing process.

Another crucial aspect of coping and working towards healing involves how you treat yourself after the discovery. It is incredibly important to focus on maintaining your well-being and consistently caring for yourself by proactively getting enough sleep, pursuing physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and allowing yourself to feel your emotions. While you might feel obligated to focus on maintaining your daily routine or engage in activities to distract yourself from your emotions, it’s crucial to also give yourself the permission and the space to grieve so that you can process the loss. Although healing takes time, it can be accomplished gradually if you are willing to be patient with yourself and accept support in the moments when you feel the most vulnerable. 

Sources

“PTSD After The Sudden Death Of A Loved One”. The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders. https://www.centerforanxietydisorders.com/2019/02/21/ptsd-sudden-death-loved-one/ 

Coping with the death of a parent during adulthood can be difficult, regardless of your relationship at the time of the loss. Whether you lose one parent, both parents or even an estranged parent, there are many emotions and challenges that emerge following their death. As you continue to work through these circumstances, the following coping strategies may aid in your efforts to attain a sense of solace. 

Writing a letter to your parent is a meaningful activity that may help you to process your grief. You might realize that there are many topics you never had a chance to connect with your parent about prior to their death. Similarly, there may be arguments or interpersonal problems that were never resolved. Taking the time to write out what you want to share with your parent can be a helpful way to come to terms with these unfulfilled interactions and work towards closure. 

Some individuals find comfort in identifying ways that they can maintain their parent’s presence in their life. This may mean having keepsakes as small reminders of a parent or continuing bonds by incorporating them into a personal routine. Maintaining a parent’s legacy by supporting causes that were important to them or sharing cherished memories of them with friends and family is another common way that people keep their parents ever-present in their lives. 

Dedicating time to practicing self-care can also be essential in coping with your grief. Many individuals begin to neglect themselves and their needs in the aftermath of losing a parent. This can occur due to emotional overwhelm, the difficulty of trying to maintain a regular routine while making final arrangements, or simply the intense impact of grief itself. Setting reminders to eat a healthy meal, making time to participate in an activity that you enjoy, or taking a few moments to practice mindfulness are common ways to work towards maintaining your well-being after a loss.

The death of a parent is a deeply painful and emotional loss at any age. It is important to understand that although grief is personal and often private, your loss does not have to be navigated alone. Coping strategies such as the ones listed here can be useful, but they are not a replacement for seeking additional support from a counselor or therapist if needed. The loss of a parent is often traumatic, and working closely with a mental health professional or bereavement specialist can be instrumental in making progress through the complexities of your grief. 

Sources

‘How to Deal With the Loss of a Parent: Psychologists’ Tips for Grieving”. Every Day Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/grief/psychologists-tips-for-grieving-the-loss-of-a-parent/ 

“The Grief of Losing a Parent Is Complex — Here’s How to Start Navigating It”. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/losing-a-parent 

Intangible loss is the psychological, emotional, or non-material impact following a significant life event or change. It is frequently a secondary loss that results from another loss. Significant losses that can contribute to the development of intangible losses include the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or the loss of health. 

Tangible losses are typically easier for people to conceptualize since they’re associated with physical or material items such as personal belongings, cars, money, housing, keepsakes, or other things. These items become physically inaccessible or lost entirely in the aftermath of economic downturns, natural disasters, crime, or other scenarios. Most individuals can generally identify what they have specifically lost when losses are tangible. However, intangible losses are often difficult to quantify due to their impact on the human experience. 

Intangible loss differs from tangible loss in the consideration that what is lost or impacted is not actually measurable. Intangible losses can include the loss of a sense of purpose due to a significant life event like retirement, or the loss of a sense of identity after an unexpected diagnosis of a chronic disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some individuals experienced a loss of independence due to restrictions and shutdowns. Loss of a sense of safety or security following a natural disaster, terrorism, or crime is another common example of intangible loss.

Each of these losses can have an immense impact on someone’s emotional and psychological well-being. Navigating intangible loss can be difficult for most individuals since it can be challenging to identify and understand the true source of the complex emotions that emerge. Although some individuals will experience common signs or indicators of grief, others might find that they are struggling more with a sense of feeling disoriented or losing a sense of self, which they might not initially identify as a reaction to the loss that they have experienced. 

Effectively recognizing the source of intangible loss often depends on the individual’s ability to reflect and deconstruct major life events or factors that are contributing to their pain. For some, this can be an overwhelming task to take on alone due to traumatic experiences or sensitive topics that have occurred in the past, so partnering with a mental health professional can be especially helpful. Through understanding the loss, individuals can work toward processing their grief in a healthy manner and gradually overcome the pain.

Sources

“Grief in the Midst of COVID-19: Mourning Our Losses”. Trinity University. https://www.trinity.edu/news/grief-midst-covid-19-mourning-our-losses 

“Intangible Losses: Can You Have Grief if No One Died?” The Grief Recovery Method. https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/blog/2021/06/intangible-losses-can-you-have-grief-if-no-one-died