Supporting Others

Grief, Breastfeeding, and Care

In this essay, I share a bit about my story of grief and breastfeeding. I also share some thoughts about the cultural grief some people are carrying about the lack of support afforded to lactating families whose goal it is to feed their baby from their body. I use some gendered language throughout this essay…

Madelyn – Holding space

Madelyn explains how holding space can help anyone in grief

John Martin – First You Must Realize What Has Happened

John talks about realizing the reality of grief

John Martin – Understanding Grief part 2

John talks about permission to grieve

Alongside

That is also our best, and only role, when supporting a person with a developmental disability to grieve. We must be the one that comes alongside. There is no closer place we can get to. We must be present, be with, perhaps not understanding or comprehending what the person we support is experiencing, but alongside them nonetheless. We must be there, ready to provide whatever we can discover of their unique need in grief.

Karyn and Aidan – Support from others

Karyn and Aidan discuss how family, friends, and people they didn’t know in the community supported them.Talking, meals, dog walking are among the things that made a huge difference.

Zoreena – Ask for help

Zoreena explains how important it is to ask for help

John Martin – Loss and Grief – Get Your Feeling Out

John discusses the importance of getting your feelings out

Left Out: Enfranchising Children’s Grief and Loss

By: Jessica Milette, MSW, RSW All human beings have the capacity to grieve: people with intellectual disabilities, those living with a traumatic brain injury, and children of all ages. However, many people can experience disenfranchised grief when someone dies. Disenfranchised grief is generally grief that is not usually openly acknowledged, socially accepted or publicly mourned.…

Kate – Trust and listening

Kate – explains how having someone you trust is super important so that you can have a space space to go to

Jacqueline – Advice to Younger Self

Jacqueline talks about seeking help and being kind to yourself