Grief and Trauma

Left Out: Enfranchising Children’s Grief and Loss

By: Jessica Milette, MSW, RSW All human beings have the capacity to grieve: people with intellectual disabilities, those living with a traumatic brain injury, and children of all ages. However, many people can experience disenfranchised grief when someone dies. Disenfranchised grief is generally grief that is not usually openly acknowledged, socially accepted or publicly mourned.…

Krista – “Crying”

Krista talks about how crying helps her. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Sarah K – Grieving during a pandemic

Sarah discusses how the pandemic has pulled back the curtain on grief

Bryan – My Story

Bryan talks about his father being a lawyer and being shot and killed by an apposing lawyer. He talks about his mother and brother and how they have coped

Doug – “Birthdays”

Doug discusses time, pity and sharing with others. Doug continues to grieve the death of bis daughter in a car accident.

Russell – “Is this your only child?”

Russell talks about the loss of his second son and only having one child. Russell continues to grieve the perinatal death of his son.

Collective Grief

When the death of a person affects many members in a community, city, country, or across the world, people will experience collective grief.

These are some things that can help people through the experience of collective grief across a community.

Krista – “Mental illness and self medicating”

Krista talks about mental health and self medicating. Krista continues to grieve the death of her son from opioid overdose.

Donna B – “When risk becomes reality”

Donna discusses the unlimited liability factor and support. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Christian – “Remembering together in a meaningful way”

Christian discusses the power of memories.

Krista – “It’s ok to be uncomfortable”

Krista discusses ways to move forward.

Krista – “Range of emotions”

Krista talks about the journey towards acceptance.