Disenfranchised grief is a type of grief that isnât accepted or acknowledged by society. (This makes sense, as Merriam-Webster defines âdisenfranchisedâ as being âdeprived of some right, privilege, or immunity.â) For example, people may tell the grieving person that they should be âover itâ by now. Unfortunately, when someoneâs grief isnât validated by those around them, they may not get the support they need to cope with their loss, which can in turn prolong the grieving period.
When Is Grief Disenfranchised?
Disenfranchised grief can occur whenever someoneâs grief doesnât align with societal expectations. For instance, your grief may be disenfranchised if:
- Youâre grieving the loss of someone who wasnât a close friend or immediate family member.
- You regularly experience death as part of your job, and as such, your loved ones expect you to not take those losses so personally (this is common among doctors, nurses, and EMTs).
- Youâre grieving the loss of something other than life (e.g., a friendship or a job).
- Youâre not experiencing the emotions normally associated with grief (e.g., sadness and anger).
- Your grief lasts longer than your loved ones expect it to.
Discuss Your Grief With a Professional
Disenfranchised grief can lead to serious consequences, such as depression, low self-esteem, withdrawal from social circles, and substance abuse. So, if you think you may be experiencing disenfranchised grief, itâs important that you speak to a therapist who specializes in healing from loss. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of the knowledgeable therapists at our practice.