Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Give yourself permission to grieve.
- Find people and places that recognize your loss.
- Notice when grief needs more support.
- Build a personal support plan.
Lesson
Permission from within
Even when others do not recognize a loss, you can. Naming your grief, talking to yourself kindly, and making time to grieve are acts of self recognition.
Finding recognition
Seek out people who will understand, such as support groups for specific losses, online communities, faith leaders, or the GGN app and Memory Wall. One person who sees your grief can make a big difference.
When to seek more help
If hidden grief leads to deep isolation, heavy substance use, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, connect with a licensed mental health professional. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 for immediate danger.
GGN practiceA permission note (about 10 minutes)
Write a short note to yourself giving permission to grieve a loss others did not recognize. Keep it somewhere you will see it. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.
Fictional storyFictional Story 5.1: Finding her people
After a pregnancy loss that few people knew about, Asha felt very alone. She found an online support group for pregnancy loss. Reading others' stories, she felt understood for the first time.
Questions to consider:
- What made the difference for Asha?
- Where might someone find recognition?
Discussion: Asha found people who recognized her loss. Support groups, trusted friends, and grief communities can offer the recognition that wider society may not.
Reflection Prompts
- What permission do you need to grieve?
- Where could you find people who understand?
- What signs would tell you to seek more support?