Sneaky Grief - The Losses That Linger, the Systems That Ignore Them

Unseen Grief: Navigating Disenfranchised and Ambiguous Loss

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the often overlooked and invalidated forms of grief that extend beyond traditional mourning. Discussing the concept of 'disenfranchised grief,' the episode delves into how economic systems and societal norms suppress acknowledgment of certain types of loss. From the unexpected death of a first love to ongoing ambiguous losses, Poston examines how these unacknowledged forms of grief affect our mental and physical health. She highlights the limitations of traditional grief models and emphasizes the need for more inclusive and validating support systems. The episode also tackles the political and structural issues surrounding grief, arguing that acknowledging and integrating our losses is crucial for emotional well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Sneaky Grief
01:33 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief
04:00 Personal Story: The Unexpected Call
06:06 The Continuing Bonds Model
08:35 Ambiguous Loss and Its Impact
11:20 The Political Side of Grief
15:27 The Physiology of Grief
17:33 Prolonged Grief Disorder
19:16 Collective and Marginalized Grief
21:11 Conclusion: Validating All Forms of Grief

References
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Prigerson, H. G., Boelen, P. A., Xu, J., Smith, K. V., & Maciejewski, P. K. (2021). Validation of the new DSM-5-TR criteria for prolonged grief disorder and the PG-13-Revised (PG-13-R) scale. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 96-106.
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Sneaky Grief - The Losses That Linger, the Systems That Ignore Them
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