Hidden Grief: The Losses We Don’t Talk About

In this episode of Healing Starts with the Heart, grief specialist Sharon Brubaker dives into the topic of hidden grief—those personal, often unacknowledged grief experiences that go unnoticed by society. Sharon explains how hidden grief manifests in many forms beyond death and how societal norms often discourage people from recognizing and processing these losses. Through personal stories and practical advice, she helps listeners uncover and validate their hidden grief, paving the way for healing.

Key Points Discussed:

What Is Hidden Grief?

• Hidden grief refers to losses that don’t fit traditional definitions of grief, such as losing a job, relationship, or sense of identity.
• Sharon describes hidden grief as deeply personal and often invisible, making it harder for others to recognize or offer support.

Examples of Hidden Grief:

• The loss of a dream job that you’ve worked toward for years.
• Breaking up with a significant other or going through a divorce.
• Losing self-worth after the death of a partner who was your emotional anchor.
• Enduring the foreclosure of a home or the loss of a pet, which society often trivializes.

Why Hidden Grief Goes Unnoticed:

• Society typically ties grief to death, leaving other forms of loss invalidated.
• People experiencing hidden grief often feel ashamed or embarrassed to share their feelings.

The Emotional Weight of Hidden Grief:

• Sharon discusses how unprocessed hidden grief can build up, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional exhaustion.
• Hidden grief often overlaps with other life challenges, complicating the healing process.

Personal Story: Learning to Acknowledge Hidden Grief

• Sharon shares her experience of grieving for her nephew, Austin.
• She reflects on how she delayed acknowledging her grief out of respect for others, later realizing the importance of processing her emotions.

The Importance of Recognizing Hidden Grief:

• Naming and validating these losses is a vital step toward healing.
• Sharon urges listeners to create a safe space to share their hidden grief and reject societal pressure to keep these experiences private.

Journal Questions for Reflection:

1. What is a hidden grief you’ve experienced recently?
2. How did this hidden grief make you feel, and did anyone acknowledge your emotions?
3. Have you avoided addressing this grief, and if so, why?
4. What steps can you take to honor and process this hidden grief?

Conclusion:

Hidden grief can carry just as much emotional weight as grief tied to death. By naming these experiences and allowing yourself to feel the pain, you create space for healing and growth. Sharon reminds listeners that grief is a natural and valid response to all types of loss, not just those that society deems significant.

Follow Us:

• Website: healingstartswiththeheart.com
• Facebook Group: Join our supportive community at Hope, Heal, Recover.
• Instagram: @healatthegriefschool
• Contact Us: Email Sharon at [email protected]

Thank you for listening! Join us next time as we uncover more ways to navigate the complexities of grief and healing.