Exposing Grief: Recent Episodes
Marilyn
Listen to this podcast if you, your friends or others you care about have been dealing with loss and/or with grief. The goal of our conversations is to remove the stigma from these common emotions which everyone will experience. As an organically evolving visual and literary artistic talent, my observations and self-reflections have developed over time. This season of life has convinced me that we each can benefit from being more transparent about our deepest emotional scars and fears.
Ways the change of season can impact loss and grief:
- depression or moodiness
- limited daylight hours
Ways to assist your child with grief:
- Understand grief may be different for them
- Explain that grief is normal in life
When it comes to loss and grief:
- Recognize these emotions are normal
- Understand that shame is not a factor
How to avoid the person who will bully you emotionally:
- be aware that such a person exists
- have an advocate who will assist you
Surviving the initial shock:
- realize breakups can occur at any point in a relationship
- get the tools to manage your emotional health
Ways to navigate survivor's guilt:
- understand you are not alone
- seek professional help, if necessary
Reasons for being the final link on your branch of the family tree:
- choosing not to have children
- circumstances beyond your control
What to understand when a sibling is no longer in your life:
- understand there may be unresolved conflicts
- understand there are tools to manage internal emotional conflict
Ways to control what you can control in life:
- recognize what you can control
- seek your joy
Why loss of familiar places cause grief:
- memories are attached to them
- the exact place cannot be recreated
How to cope when your loved one is missing:
- know that there is hope they will be found
- realize that confusion is normal
How to find comfort and closure during grief:
- accept help of others
- work toward closure
How to deal with Sudden Infant Death (SIDS):
- realize there is no explanation
- be available to parents
How celebratory occasions can trigger feelings of loss:
- important persons are missing
- expectations to be joyful
- need for celebration to be perfect
Reasons displacement can trigger feelings of loss:
- uncertainty of the situation
- no control of the situation
Ways sentimentality can trigger loss:
- may turn into an obsession
- may focus on loss of items or relationships
How to navigate loss of family relationships:
- accept that opinions can differ
- willingness to resolve conflicts
- recognize importance of family
Ways to manage loss of confidence:
- accept that lack of confidence can happen to anyone
- be willing to forgive yourself and others
Ways to be supportive to those experiencing bereavement:
- stay connected to the bereaved
- offer assistance
How to process loss of a dream:
- recognize that the dream exists
- think of grief as cleansing the emotions
Society is changing:
- Murder is becoming more prevalent
- Anyone can be affected by murder
How to reconnect with your partner after children leave:
- know that it will mean work
- learn to communicate
- find the spark
When we let down (disappoint) others we can feel badly, whether the cause was intentional or unintentional. When others let us down (disappoint) we also feel badly.
Loss triggers are inevitable. Others will continue to celebrate their families while you miss yours. Don't let the triggers, obvious and settle, get the best of you.
Ways death of a parent can be difficult:
- unrealistic fantasies
- unresolved relationship issues
How can facts help with emotional wellbeing:
- help bring clarity
- help formulate outcomes
Identify if you are consuming too much negative content
Ways to limit or reduce your exposure
Ways to approach review of self-reflection statements:
- honestly review your motives
- move forward even when afraid
Ways the body can remember trauma:
- manifested by headaches
- manifested by other body aches
Self-Reflection Phrases:
- I dislike/I like
- I am sad when/I am happy when
Ways to help children/young people deal with the Pandemic
- wrap explanations around safety
- explore the science of the virus
How can we deal with collective loss and grief:
- seek out others experiencing the loss
- allow yourself to be radical in choosing stategies
How to begin conversations about emotional health:
- Ask open ended questions
- Explain how you want to be more healthy emotionally
Some ways in which seniors (those over 70) might experience loss and grief:
- Denial
- Fear
Some reasons discussion of loss and grief are avoided:
- shows a sign of weakness
- will cause emotions to happen
Clearing up any loss or grief not previously dealt with:
- lost items drawer
- loving with open hands