DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF

Lisa L. WoodwardDoctor of Health Education A.T. Still University of Health

Sciences

Disenfranchised grief can occur when a person does not recognize the signs and symptoms of his or her own grief and also when a person does not have enough social or familial support to cope with the loss of a loved one. A person may be left feeling isolated and in anguish. (DeSpelder & Strickland, 2009).

Anyone can experience disenfranchised grief. Survivors of aged spouses tend to become isolated . Younger people can sometimes shrug off the loss of an elderly person reasoning, “She had a long life, we should be grateful for the time she was here.” Children are also at risk because surviving parents are often too consumed by their own grief to observe the warning signs and help children understand and cope with significant loss.

It is unlikely Lucy van Pelt was advising Charlie Brown that the best type of grief is “good grief” but it is sound advice nonetheless. Children who do not have the opportunity to express themselves about death and dying, and who are not able offer a final good-bye can be left feeling confused or afraid to talk about the deceased person because he or she is unsure if it is allowed or appropriate.

Significant loss can be handled with a solid support system. When family and friends are not available to help a structured grief support group might be helpful.

A hug may be more comforting than words. Having someone who can simply listen can be helpful. The key to being a good listener is to withhold judgment if the persons feelings are right, wrong, good or bad” (DeSpelder & Strickland, 2009).

References DeSpelder, L. & Strickland, A. (2009). The last dance: encountering

death and dying. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, Inc.Kaufman, J. (2010). The Charlie Brown theory of personality. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/and-all-jazz/201003/the-charlie-brown-theory-personality

Worden, J. W. (2009). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health practitioner. (4th ed.). New York, NY: Springer.