Navigating Loss: Stories and Strategies for Coping with Grief

In this episode of Sixtysomething, your host, Grace Taylor Segal, delves into the profound subject of grief, particularly as experienced in our sixties.

Grace shares personal stories and those of her friends, addressing various types of losses such as the death of parents, estrangement from family, and losing beloved pets.

Through heartfelt narratives, the episode explores how writing, creating memorial gardens, seeking professional grief counseling, and maintaining old friendships or making new ones can help manage grief.

Grace encourages listeners to embrace new ways of coping, the importance of gratitude, and reaching out to community and professional support for navigating through the tough times.

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Hey Friends! It's me, Grace! I just want to thank you for listening. I hope you’ll let me know what you think about the podcast and if any particular episodes resonate with you.

Listed just below here is my contact information and all of the social channels where you can find me, as well as the link to our Facebook Group. 

Contact Info

Grace Taylor Segal

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: 60something Page 

(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553062496332)

Instagram: @60somethingpod

Facebook Group: 60Something Pod

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1665326354000332

RESOURCES

1. Grief and Loss Resources from the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA)

• The HFA offers a wide range of resources, including articles, webinars, and support groups for those dealing with loss. They also provide a free downloadable booklet, Journeys with Grief, which covers various aspects of the grieving process.
• Website: Hospice Foundation of America

2. Grief.com by David Kessler

• David Kessler, a renowned grief expert, offers articles, online courses, and virtual support groups. He worked with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross on the classic Five Stages of Grief and has since expanded on these concepts.
• Website: Grief.com

3. The National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC)

• NAGC provides resources and support groups specifically for grandparents who may be helping grandchildren process the loss of a parent or another close family member. They offer grief-focused activities and information for all ages.
• Website: Childrengrieve.org

4. Modern Loss

• Modern Loss offers a more contemporary and inclusive take on grief support, with articles, storytelling events, and community forums. Their approach is candid, and they cover various types of loss, including friendships and relationships.
• Website: Modern Loss

5. The Dougy Center: National Grief Center for Children and Families

• The Dougy Center provides podcasts, webinars, and other resources to support those experiencing grief. Though focused on families, their insights are useful for any age and any stage of the grieving process.
• Website: Dougy.org

6. The Compassionate Friends

• This organization focuses on supporting those who have lost a child but also offers resources for grandparents. They offer in-person and virtual support groups, as well as workshops on coping with loss.
• Website: Compassionate Friends

7. Books on Grief and Loss

• On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler: A foundational work on the Five Stages of Grief, ideal for those seeking understanding of their emotions.
• It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine: A compassionate, modern take on grief that normalizes the often messy process of grieving.
• Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant: Focuses on finding resilience after loss and can be especially helpful for listeners looking to navigate their grief in a supportive community.

8. Grief Recovery Method Support Groups

• The Grief Recovery Method offers an action-based program for those wanting to work through their grief with the support of others. They offer in-person and online group sessions led by certified specialists.
• Website: Grief Recovery Method

9. Online Therapy Platforms

• Many listeners may find talking to a licensed therapist helpful, and online platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace offer counseling services that make it easier to find support without leaving home.

10. Podcasts on Grief

• Terrible, Thanks for Asking by Nora McInerny: An honest, sometimes humorous podcast about grief, loss, and how life goes on in unexpected ways.
• Grief Out Loud by the Dougy Center: This podcast offers candid conversations about grief, particularly helpful for understanding the different ways people experience and cope with loss.

Credits

Sixtysomething Theme Song

Music & lyrics by Lizzy Sanford

Vocals by Lizzy Sanford

Guitar: Lizzy & Coco Sanford

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to 60 Something

00:19 Understanding Grief in Our Sixties

01:56 Coping with the Loss of Parents

13:41 Navigating the Loss of Friendships

17:46 Dealing with Estrangement from Family

21:27 Grieving the Loss of a Pet

23:41 Reflecting on Our Past Lives

25:23 Community and Global/National Grief

25:29 Grief for Greatest Losses

26:20 Coping Strategies and Conclusion