Grief and Trauma

Living in the Aftermath of Traumatic Death

The sudden unexpected, traumatic death of a loved one is something like having a limb torn off.

Shocking. As if the air has been sucked from your lungs and you can’t manage another breath.

Brenda and Dale – “Being self aware”

Brenda and Dale talk about self care. They continue to grieve the death of their son by suicide.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Days

When we are grieving, some days are more difficult than others. Grief comes in waves like the sea and can feel like an intertwining labyrinth of emotions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates that are associated with our loved one who has died can contribute to more emotionally intense days which can be worsened through the anticipation and “what ifs” of the upcoming day. These difficult days can leave us feeling defeated and it can almost feel like we’ve taken two steps backward in our grieving process, but grief does not have a timeline, and these feelings of setbacks are opportunities for healing.

Donna B – “Anxiety Attacks”

Donna shares her experiences with anxiety and how she deals with it. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Krista – “Opioids and Mental Illness”

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

What Can Help with Early Traumatic Grief?

When your child dies you are thrown into a nightmare. None of this is expected to be easy.
Even after several months, it still isn’t. There have been some things that have helped us during
our grief. Maybe they will help you, too.

Donna B – “When the death is public”

Donna discusses healing and a public death. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Russell – “Questions people ask”

Russell discusses how he answers the hardest questions people ask. Russell continues to grieve the perinatal death of his son.

Cheryl and Mike – “Everybody’s different”

Cheryl and Mike discuss how everyone is unique in their grieving. They continue to grieve the death their daughter in a car accident.

Bryan – Mom

Bryan gives his mother credit for how well she raised her two sons after her husband was murdered

Bryan – Vulnerability

Bryan talks about things are not always OK and that’s OK and things are going to get better

Karyn and Cathy – “Suicide”

Karyn and Cathy discuss how the stigma of suicide impacted the lack of acknowledgement of their grief and loss. Karyn and Cathy continues to grieve the death of their father by suicide.