When I read that grief has been classified as Prolonged Grief Disorder, I had mixed feelings. I’m happy to see that more people can have access to treatment, but why does everything need a label? Grief will forever be a part of my life, it’s not a linear timeline, and what is “normal” grief anyway? In this episode, I'll ponder if grief should be a disorder in the first place, or if doctors have it all wrong.
Key Takeaways:
[3:28] Being criticized for getting over grief “slowly” and being told to stop being sad
[5:25] Holding myself to a standard that’s too high and what triggers me
[7:07] A parallel existence, the grief besides the joy
[8:21] You don’t move on from being a parent
[11:07] Grief being classified as Prolonged Grief Disorder and how it’s insulting
[15:23] Grief can’t be classified in a neat little timeline
[18:07] How a child is categorized as special needs in different states
[20:02] Why do we have to label everything?
[22:24] How grief being classified as a disorder means people can get help they need
[24:53] There is no “normal” grief and it’s a lifelong problem
[28:17] Grief is a long, long process and where I’m at in the process
[31:45] Being told to move on and peoples expectations
[33:21] It took me 2 and a half years for Molly’s death to sink in
[35:36] Doctor’s thoughts on how to treat grief as a disorder
[37:39] What’s next for me and should grief be labeled as a disorder?
Resources from this episode:
- The Body Keeps the Score
- The Body Keeps the Score Workbook
- Mitchell’s Journey
- Prolonged Grief Disorder by the NYT
- Prolonged Grief Disorder by the Washington Post
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