Disenfranchised Grief

Disenfranchised grief is a sorrow that is not socially or publicly recognized. The reality of your loss is not validated. It may be restricted by the “bereavement rules” that your culture places on you.

Occurrences could come about due to any of the following losses that are often socially devalued.

Perinatal loss
Abortion
A pet’s death
A suicide
Death of an ex-spouse
Death from an “unacceptable” reason

And still others

You might encounter social stigmas if you don’t mourn according to the social norms. You might grieve for too short or long amounts of time.

Also persons who are elderly, very young or mentally disabled may not have their need to grieve recognized.

Part of healthy bereavement includes having the support of our circle of people; family, friends, co-workers. Because of the stigma or “invisibility” of the loss this support often is sorely lacking.

We might not be included in the mourning rituals being observed or as in perinatal loss there are no rituals that are followed even though you have experienced loss.

Someone who is experiencing disenfranchised grief could benefit from the having someone to talk to. It could be a trusted friend or family member, clergy or a professional counselor.

Return from Disenfranchised Grief to Types of Bereavement

Return to Bereavement Home Page

SBI!

MY PROMISE TO YOU

A site that is…

Uplifting
Encouraging
Comforting

Content to help you heal

Hand picked bereavement products

Let me do the homework and research for you.

Has this site helped you with your grief? Please consider a small donation to allow this site to assist in the healing of others.

With a donation of $4.99, please accept my gift of four grief stories collected in an e-book. Click on the button below to be taken to PAYLOADZ where the download will be available.

With your gift of $15 or more, please accept a teardrop bottle as a token of my appreciation.