Grief on Mother’s Day
 
While Mother’s Day is intended to be a day of celebration, for some it is a day of reminded loss.  This may be true for those who have lost their mothers or mothers who have lost a child.  The images of the perfect day, in addition to school and church activities dedicated to celebrating mother’s day, can trigger a cascade of pain and emotional distress. 
 
The death of a parent is the most common form of bereavement in the United States. Almost 12 million Americans lose a parent every year, but our society tends to believe that because it is expected that our parents will die, bereaved adult children need to “get over it quickly and move on.”  Many bereaved adult children feel they have lost a friend and advisor. They lament that there is no longer anyone who can truly relate to their childhood memories, nor anyone with whom they can openly share their or their children’s awards, achievements, or everyday lives.
 
“When a mother dies, a [child’s] mourning never completely ends,” says Hope Edleman, author of the 1994 book Motherless Daughters, one of the first books to examine the emotional journey a woman takes when she loses her mother. When a child dies, a mother’s mourning never completely ends, and she will grieve each milestone her child will not reach.
 
If Mother’s Day is painful for you, you’re not alone—and you have the right to spend it however you want, and to take care of yourself in the process. Here are a few strategies to find strength this Mother’s Day — consider sharing them with loved ones so they can help support you.
 
1.    You have the right to choose how you want to spend the day
Even the most understanding friends and family may expect you to be cheerful on Mother’s Day. Talk to them ahead of time so they know how you’re feeling and what you’re up for this year. Let them know that you may change your mind about participating in festivities, even at the last minute. Tell them if you’d prefer to play it by ear, and release the guilt and shame that may come with bowing out of social pressure to celebrate. Research shows that we’re not actually very good at predicting how we’ll feel in the future, so leave yourself room for flexibility.
2.    You have the right to be acknowledged as a daughter and/or a mother
3.    You have the right to feel however you feel
Mother’s Day can be filled with memories and traditions that cause unexpected and shifting emotions. There’s no one right way to be. People who tell you how you “should” feel or act may mean well, but they may not know what’s best for you.  Notice when you tell yourself how you “should” feel. Try to replace those thoughts with acceptance of your feelings as they come.
4.    You have the right to talk about it—or don’t
There is a misconception that talking about a loved one who has died “will make people sad.”  By contrast, bereaved individuals report that hearing others say the name of their loved ones makes them feel both seen and understood. 
5.    You have the right to take care of yourself
Be gentle with yourself.  Research shows that self-care can make it easier to cope with stress, especially during challenging times.  Eat well, stay active, try to sleep, and give yourself the opportunity to relax when you need it.  In short, practice parenting yourself.
6.    You have the right to hold on to hope that you will not feel this bad forever
This particular day may not be the same as it was before.  It may never be quite that way again.  But it won't necessarily always be this hard.  You don't know what next year has in store for you, and you won't always feels how you do right now.  Watch for signs of the mental trap of permanence -- believing that things will never get better.  If you find yourself falling into it, try replacing words like "always" with "sometimes" to remind yourself that the future is not fixed.

And remember, death ends a life, but does not end a relationship.

 
Links to information presented here: https://optionb.org/advice/how-to-spend-mothers-day-on-your-own-terms

https://www.vitas.com/resources/grief-and-bereavement/mourning-the-death-of-a-parent

It can be very challenging for adults to know what to say to children following a death by suicide. Adults may find it difficult to tell children what has happened, however, communicating clearly with children is helpful to them in dealing with their grief and in feeling safe and secure.

At a Glance:
·         Suicide bereaved children may experience anxiety, anger and shame.  Allow for a range of feelings.
·         For children to adjust to a death of any sort they need a realistic and coherent understanding of what has happened.  Secrecy can undermine the basic trust you want to establish with your child.
·    Effective communication that is clear, age-appropriate, and honest serves to reassure children that someone will take care of their physical and emotional needs.
·         Children will continue to grieve as they encounter new stages of their development.
·         Children grieve differently than adults, often in "doses."
·         Be alert to children blaming themselves for the loss: “Nothing you said or did caused this.”
·         Do not hesitate to reach out to a grief counselor for help for either you or your child.

Particularly following a suicide there can be a desire by adults to protect children from the truth and hide from them what has happened. However, for children to adjust to the death of a parent they need a realistic and coherent understanding of what has happened. If they do not have this they will tend to fill in the gaps with their imagination which can be unsettling and create anxiety.

Children will tend to be aware that something is happening that they don't know about; they may hear half-truths or exaggerated details from other children. For these reasons it is advisable that children are given information from a trusted adult who cares for them.

Effective communication that is clear and honest helps to reassure children that someone will take care of them physically and emotionally. It also helps to create a renewed sense of safety, security and trust. It is preferable to use language that is familiar to the child, that they will understand and that is comfortable for you.

Children tend to grieve differently than adults. Their grief will be intermittent, they will move in and out of the experience, and at times, may appear unaffected by what has happened. This may simply indicate that they are processing the event in their own way.  It is also important to remember that children will continue to grieve as they encounter new stages of their development. This means that as their emotional and cognitive abilities develop they will express their grief in new ways and they will have different questions which may require different or more complex answers.  You will have this conversation many times over the initial weeks and months, as well as throughout the child’s life.

Children generally learn to grieve by watching and learning from a significant adult. If you are having difficulties because of your own experience of grief and trauma it is important to seek some support from family, friends or available support services.

The sense of being out of control emotionally is often a part of grief that may overwhelm or frighten some kids. Grieving is normal and healthy, therefore assisting your child to accept this and find constructive ways to express and experience grief is important, particularly through talking, movement and exercise, and creative outlets.

Things for Parents to Know from Grief Experts:

• It is rare that experts see mentally-stable children fanaticize about death or suicide after talking about it or learning of a loved one’s passing, nor do they try to hurt themselves. Talking about suicide doesn’t implant ideas. By talking about it with children proactively, they know they can trust you and come to you with their concerns. It might remain mysterious if they are left to wonder or look into it on their own.
• In today's world of rapid communication and social media, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to "shield" your child from the reality of the manner of death.  Children as young as four have reported knowing about deaths by suicide that their parents did not know they knew about. It is important this information come from a parent, trusted adult or counselor in an individual or small group situation. 
• Unlike adults and older children, young kids don’t have the stigma associated with suicide, so it usually doesn’t feel as shocking to them. At age 5, 6 or 7, they seem less concerned about the method of death and more interested in knowing if the loved one is ever going to come back, or where they might be now. 
• With really young kids, experts tend to frame the death as dying from a sickness in the brain, in the same way you might explain a sudden heart attack – although this sickness was there, it may have been unseen by others and then struck suddenly without warning. This sickness is not contagious – you can’t catch it from someone.  With older kids, explain that their loved one died on purpose. By around 8 or 9-years old, kids can begin to understand suicide.
• You may begin the conversation by asking your child: “What do you know about suicide?;” “Do you understand the long-term ramifications of suicide?” (such as that it is forever and that family and friends suffer);  “What can you do if you or a friend are sad?”
• Kids do Google novel things, so if the suicide story is a public one, showing them the search results could be a part of your discussion, if that feels appropriate.
• Not everything has to come out at once, but can begin whenever the child asks deeper questions about the death. This conversation will become part of the everyday fabric of your child’s experience.
• You may want to inform relatives and friends of your discussions with your child – children will often turn to other adults to verify what you have told them or what they have heard in the community.
• Maintaining this open line of communication and being clued in to the child’s life is important. Letting children know they can talk to you about anything and ask questions and explore options for help with you might help to bring them more comfort.
• It’s always an option to enlist the help of a third party expert to help with this discussion and navigate the child’s questions and concerns.
• Children may exhibit regressive behavior after a death, including clinginess, wanting to sleep with parents, etc.  Experts advise parenting to the child's need for security during this time.  

At Home  The following suggestions may assist you at home.

Communication
·         be open and honest; use the words 'dead' or 'death'
·         keep a calm and cool demeanor, but don’t be afraid to tell your child that this is difficult for you or that you do not know all the answers, especially to the “whys?”
·        be aware of what emotions are arising in you as you discuss the death, particularly if you are experiencing anger.  Children may interpret an angry voice as meaning you are angry at them, which can lead them to wonder if they may have caused this or done something wrong.
·         be honest and open with children about the suicide. Use language the child understands and that you are comfortable with.
·         Be aware of the possibility of instilling fear with phrases such as “God wanted him/her with Him,” They are in a better place,” or of romanticizing death or heaven as a place to be free of pain and difficulties.
·          to avoid stigma use the word 'died by suicide' or took their life rather than committed suicide. This avoids reference to a crime
·         answer facts in short simple sentences without unnecessary detail
·         be available to listen and assist with any concerns your child may have
·         respect their views with non-judgemental responses

Emotions and Actions
·         give comfort, hugs, and reassurance as needed by your child
·         stick to day to day routine and schedules as much as possible
·         reduce change to a minimum
·         take time to prepare them for any further change that may be approaching
·        allow your child to express all emotions in a safe way, e.g. find healthy ways to vent anger, it is okay to cry; emotional storms only last a short time.
·         you can comfort your child with the concept that a person continues to live on in the hearts and minds of others and that they will never forget them
·         be assured that your child does not have to talk about it in order to heal; art, movement, activities that involve the hands such as clay, knitting, baking, building, and imaginative play are ways to integrate and express the confusing thoughts and feelings
            reduce electronic use during this time.  It does not provide the integration of the limbic brain and pre-frontal cortex needed to process big events, and also teaches children to deal with their pain through escape.
·         make time for just being together, take time out, re-establish recreational activities and outings when you can.

Grief Education  These points may help you to support your child:
·         take time to talk with your child about the person's life, not only their death
·         teach your child the importance of making time to eat properly, exercise and rest
·         it is okay to have fun, encourage them to be kids, play, explore and laugh
·         re-involve the child in chores and responsibilities when they are ready to cope with them again
·         reassure them about their short-term goals, let them know you are there to help them find ways to adjust to life without their loved one.
           be aware of other triggers for your child, such as anniversaries of previous losses, holidays, etc.
            
 Signs to watch for and enlisting professional help for your child:
• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online, looking in medicine cabinets, knife drawers, etc.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
**As a precaution, remove all medicines and guns from areas where children may access them

Change is in the air.  One can sense it – in the changing weather and in the restlessness in our homes, classrooms and workplaces. 

The transition from spring to summer is one of paradox – as most of us were products of a three-season school year, we are conditioned to anticipate the endings and the beginnings inherent in this seasonal juncture.  For most of us, emotions are mixed as we feel sadness at certain endings, and excitement at possible new beginnings.  Summer can bring with it both a feeling of freedom, and a fear around the lack of structure planned days and nights bring.

For bereaved individuals and families, this transitional time can be felt in fits and starts.  While it is often a relief to put the academic calendar year behind us, the uncertainty of the future looms large on our horizon.  More freedom may bring with it the fear of more time to miss our loved one, longer days may mean more time to feel bereft of their presence.  And the sadness which accompanies the good-byes may seem incongruent with the sunshine, new growth, and smiling faces beaming at us from television, online and print ads.

For those of us who are grieving the loss of a loved one, as well as those who have not experienced this great loss, this transition offers an opportunity to become aware of the smaller losses in our lives, such as departing classmates and work colleagues, and to practice saying good-bye.

Ira Byock, MD, author of The Four Things That Matter Most: A Book About Living, tells us that there are four simple phrases: “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you,” which can carry enormous power to mend and nurture our relationships and inner lives, thereby facilitating the grief process, regardless of the reason for the loss of a relationship.  I often add a fifth when working with bereaved clients, the simple act of saying “good-bye.”

Perhaps we can practice, and help our children to practice, this mindful leave-taking at this time of year, adjusting the five phrases to fit the situation.  For example, one might say to a teacher or professor, “I’m sorry I was not always attentive in class,” “I forgive you for reprimanding me,” “Thank you for teaching me so much,” “I love/appreciate you,” and “Good-bye.  I wish you well.”

And then, perhaps we can allow ourselves to experience the myriad of emotions that arise.  To truly grieve whatever loss we may feel as we begin to incline ourselves towards the next part of our journey, and to hold each of them with kindness. 

In this way, we can practice experiencing loss and accepting the feelings that accompany it.  After all, change is in the air – and it is inevitable. 

During the lead up to the holiday season, a lot of focus is often put on family-oriented days such as Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas, and often we who are bereaved have been advised to make a plan for those days.  By December 31, we have actually lived through them, and breathed a sigh of relief as we discovered we could.  With so much energy put towards those holidays, however, New Years can sneak up on us.  There is an unavoidable impact marked by the calendar turning, and the societal expectations to celebrate and start over with a clean slate by making a list of resolutions can be difficult, if not plain absurd, for those of us who have lost a loved one.

When we are grieving, we know there is no such thing as a clean slate.  Our grief does not end with the calendar year, and it may be daunting to face a whole new year stretching out in front of us. We may be afraid of what the new year might bring; we may worry whether or not we can handle any more challenges. Our tendency is to stand at the threshold of a new year looking back rather than forward.  To move on may feel like leaving our loved one behind -- an act of betrayal or abandonment of the one we love. 

Our current experience of emptiness and loneliness may make us reluctant to face this new year, and its approach may mean different things for different mourners. Whether we welcome, dread or ignore a new year may depend on where we are in our grief process.

If our loss was recent, sudden or unexpected, we may still be in shock or the wound may be extremely raw.  We get up in the morning, put one foot in front of the other, breathe, and tell our story of what happened to ourselves and others.  The calandar page turning matters little.  It is important to remember with gentleness that feeling a little numb or detached keeps us safe while we wake gradually to the reality that life and our world is not how we knew it or thought it would be. 

If we have courageously held our grief over time, the swelling around the injury of our loss may have gone down some.  We may not know details or have a clear vision of a future, but we may feel the stirrings of hope.  We are learning that the passage of time will always bring about a new day, month, and year.  And though we do face these without our loved one, we will take the gifts they gave us with us into this uncertain terrain. 

January 1st is just another day, with no power or meaning except the meaning we choose to give to it.  Acknowledging our special needs as grieving persons, we can choose to make softer resolutions for the new year – perhaps framed as gentler hopes: for a peaceful year which includes becoming at peace with our loss, learning to understand better our own grief process and ourselves through it, and the possibility of enjoying life even though we grieve. 

We would love to hear from you and have you share with others about what is helpful to you at this time of year while grieving.  Please share them below.

May you find moments of peace.

Eight year old Gaby bounces into my office and gives me a big hug.  It has been almost two months since I have seen her, since shortly after her transition back into the school year.  We have known each other for 15 months, meeting after the death of her older brother a year and a half ago. 
Gaby has recently begun to wear her brother’s clothes and go through the things left in his room at home.  Her teacher says she has been talking about him a lot and asking to see me, and has started acting out in class.  School staff may be baffled – after a rough year at school last year where she was dysregulated in the classroom until early spring, she has, overall been having a good year.  And, if they are like most of us who deal with bereaved children, they may be thinking that she had “gotten over” it, especially since it has been more than a year since his death.
One of the things I love about Gaby is that she has not built up the layer of defenses many of my young clients have around the death of their loved one.  She is, and appropriately so, responding to the ebb and flow of grief.  November is her brothers’ birthday, Thanksgiving in a home with a large family who acutely missed his presence last year, and the beginning of the transition to both winter and the holiday season.  These are typically difficult times for grieving children, especially those in a developmental transition, as Gaby is at eight years old. 
November is also Children’s Grief Awareness month.  The National Alliance for Grieving Children states that childhood grief is one of our society's most overlooked and least understood issues. This lack of community awareness compounds the grief journey that every bereaved child and their family must undergo.  And in a culture which increasingly turns toward rapid solutions to death, memorials, uncomfortable feelings and even trauma, the extended experience of grief is misunderstood and sometimes diagnosed incorrectly. 
Statistics show that 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them by age 18.
(Journal of Death and Dying).  In a poll of 1,000 high school juniors and seniors, 90% indicated that they had experienced the death of a loved one (National Adolescent Health Information Center).  And one out of every 20 children aged ­fifteen and younger will suffer the loss of one or both parents. 1.5 million children are living in a single-parent household because of the death of one parent.
 
According to Gerald Koocher, chief of psychology at Boston’s Children’s Hospital, mortality rates for adults in their 40s and 50s in the past two decades have risen dramatically, making it more likely that younger children will experience the death of a parent. In addition, one in every 1,500 secondary school students dies each year. “Kids are encountering death more often and at a younger age—it’s just inevitable,” says Dr.Koocher.
 
We have seen this rise in bereaved children echoed in La Plata County in the past few years. 
Anthony visits my office two times per week after dropping out of school in the fall.  He is charming and easy going on the outside, but suffers from severe anxiety on the inside.  Anthony’s father completed suicide when he was five years old.  At fifteen, he is worried that he will follow in his father’s footsteps, and is seeking a deeper understanding of the causes of his father’s death as well as some better coping skills than he is currently using.  Anthony is not unlike many bereaved teens, 41% of which say that they have acted in ways that they knew might not be good for them, either physically, mentally or emotionally, and 73% who say that they think about their loved one every day, according to the NAIGC.
In a survey conducted by the NAIGC, bereaved children say the pervading emotion they currently feel is sadness, with feeling angry, alone, overwhelmed and worried being top other emotions.  They report that they have trouble sleeping and that they have more trouble concentrating on school work.  Children in bereaved families are both more likely to leave full-time education at age 16 and have significantly higher rates of school suspensions and truancy.
 
Classroom teachers report that students who have lost a parent or guardian typically exhibit
di­fficulty concentrating in class, withdrawal/disengagement and less class participation, absenteeism, and a decrease in quality of work.  According to a 2012 national survey by the New York Life Foundation and American Federation of Teachers, 7 in 10 teachers (69%) currently have at least one student in their class(es) who has lost a parent, guardian, sibling, or close friend in the past year. 
Grief has no time line, and often children will revisit their grief in different ways and at different developmental stages throughout their life.  Bereaved children report that they are most helped through their grief by their relationships to other family and friends who can provide attentiveness, warmth, and connection, by being given space to experience and express their grief in their own ways, and by going to individual and/or group grief counseling.  Connecting to peers who have also experienced a death can relieve feelings of isolation.
Bereaved children are often referred to as the "forgotten mourners”.  Children's Grief Awareness Month is an opportunity to tell children they are not forgotten and that there is support, hope and healing to be found within the context of their family, culture, and community.


This article was published in The Durango Herald on December 5, 2015.