Grief and Parenting in the Disability Community

John – What I have learned

February 23, 2023

John explains how he has changed since his wife died and now looking back what he would say to his self right after his loss

Joyce- Learning to live with grief

April 23, 2023

Joyce shares a story of support from a friend and how she managed in her early grief

Cara – Intellectual disabilities and advance planning

November 6, 2022

Cara explains that people living with intellectual disabilities are growing to older ages, much like the rest of the population. And as folks are aging what we’re seeing is the need for families more so than ever, to do some advanced planning for who will take over any caregiving decision making or where that person may live, what sort of support they may need and what that’s going to look like after the parents or the guardians die so that this doesn’t become a crisis situation.

What Does Grief Support Look Like?

July 20, 2022

When we experience significant, on-going symptoms of grief that interfere with our adjustment to the reality of our loss, it can be time to seek professional help. It can be difficult to know where to find help and what grief support options are available.

Keith – “How can you help”

December 10, 2018

Keith explains that by imagining being in someone’s position can show you practical ways of helping them.

John Martin – Understanding Grief part 1

March 13, 2022

John discusses his understanding of what grief is

Jim – Helping by listening

June 13, 2023

Jim – ” I talk about how to be a good listener to someone who is grieving. I believe that one of the most important things you can do for someone who is grieving is to simply listen. Don’t try to fix their problems or offer advice. Just listen and be there for them. It can be as simple as meeting for coffee or taking a walk together. You’re doing more help than you realize when you simply listen to someone.

Laura- Loss to Suicide

February 21, 2022

Jim – Significant incidents

June 13, 2023

Jim discusses being involved in a significant incident and how it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and ruminate over it. You may even start to drink or use drugs to cope. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many police officers have been through similar experiences. And there are resources available to help you get through this.One of the best things you can do is talk to a trusted friend or colleague. They can offer support and understanding. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you to process your experience and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It’s also important to remember that you can’t change the past. But you can learn from it. And you can move on. Don’t let one incident define you. You are a strong and capable person. And you will get through this.

Donna B – “Seeking Help”

September 24, 2019

Donna talks about the importance of speaking to someone. Donna continues to grieve the death her son during service in Afghanistan.

Sarah K – Talking to my kids

February 7, 2022

Sarah discusses the challenges of discussing her kids about their Dad;s death to heroin and helping them on their journey through grief