Jessica (Part 2) | Defining Grief as a Medical Mom

Merriam-Webster defines grief as "deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement" or "trouble, annoyance". The American Psychological Association goes further to include, "Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. Intense grief can become life-threatening through disruption of the immune system, self-neglect, and suicidal thoughts". Some of us have studied the stages of grief, denial,anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. We are no grief experts; but, with all of these definitions of grief, it is safe to say that everyone's grief experience is uniquely their own.

Today, Jessica and Susan have a chat about their personal experiences with grief. They discuss ambiguous grief, which is grief without closure. We hear about anticipatory grief, or grief before a loss. Jessica gives us insight into secondary losses which flow from the primary loss that is grieved.

This episode is not all doom and gloom. Yes, grief is hard. Grief is painful. Grief is not something that we sign up for. But, in grief, there is hope. And we might just finally get the answer to the question Jessica evaded last week-what gives Jessica hope.

"When we are able to name something, it becomes a little bit less scary." -Jessica

Here's what Jessica and Suz chatted about that you do not want to miss:

• Grief

• Ambiguous grief vs anticipatory grief

• Secondary loss

• Help in grief

• Unexpected grief triggers

• What gives Jessica hope

Grief is nonlinear and everyone's grief story is unique. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Come visit us in the When Autumn Comes Society or send me a DM on Instagram! I'd love to hear from you.

Be sure to get your name on the list for our upcoming retreats for medical mamas and check out our BRING HOPE HOME campaign as The Apricity Hope Project moves forward with a headquarters and retreat house!

Catch up with Suz:

Instagram

Catch up with Jessica:

Jessica's website

Facebook

I Don't Know How You Do It

Psychology Today article on secondary losses

When Autumn Comes:

WAC Instagram

WAC Facebook Page

WAC Society Facebook Page

WAC is a program of the Apricity Hope Project

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