What is Disenfranchised Grief?

Grief is a universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. However, not all grief is acknowledged or validated in the same way. Disenfranchised grief is a term coined by Dr. Kenneth Doka, referring to grief that is not socially recognized or supported. This type of grief can occur when the loss is not acknowledged by society, the relationship to the deceased is not recognized or the individual is not seen as entitled to grieve.

Examples of Disenfranchised Grief

There are many scenarios where someone might experience disenfranchised grief. Some examples include:

• Loss of a Pet: While many people consider pets to be family members, society often does not recognize the death of a pet as a significant loss.
• Miscarriage or Stillbirth: Parents who lose a child through miscarriage or stillbirth might struggle with grief that is not openly acknowledged by others.
• Divorce or Breakup: The end of a significant relationship can lead to profound grief, but it is often not treated with the same gravity as the death of a loved one.
• Loss of a Job or Career: Losing a job can bring about a sense of loss and grief, especially if the job was a major part of one’s identity.
• Death of an Ex-Spouse: Even if the relationship ended, the death of an ex-spouse can bring about unexpected grief, which might not be acknowledged by current family or friends.

How Disenfranchised Grief Differs from Other Types of Grief

Complicated grief vs. disenfranchised grief

Complicated grief refers to a prolonged and intense form of grief that interferes with daily life. While complicated grief is a recognized condition that can be treated, disenfranchised grief often goes unacknowledged, making it challenging to find support or treatment.

Long-term grief

Long-term grief is when someone continues to feel the effects of grief well beyond the typical mourning period. Disenfranchised grief can often lead to long-term grief because the lack of social recognition or support makes it difficult for individuals to process their emotions fully.

The Impact of Disenfranchised Grief

Disenfranchised grief can have significant emotional and psychological impacts. People experiencing this type of grief may feel isolated and unsupported, leading to increased feelings of sadness, anger or depression. The lack of acknowledgment from society can make it challenging for people to express their feelings or seek help.

Emotional effects

• Isolation: Feeling alone in their grief because others do not recognize or understand their loss.
• Shame and Guilt: Feeling ashamed for grieving a loss that is not socially accepted.
• Anger: Feeling angry because their grief is not validated by others.

Psychological effects

• Depression: Prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
• Anxiety: Increased worry and stress about the future or how others perceive their grief.
• Difficulty Coping: Struggling to manage daily tasks and responsibilities due to overwhelming emotions.

How to Cope with Disenfranchised Grief

Coping with disenfranchised grief can be challenging, but there are ways to navigate this difficult time:

Acknowledge your grief

Recognizing that your feelings are valid is the first step in coping with disenfranchised grief. Allow yourself to mourn your loss, even if others do not understand.

Seek support

Finding a supportive community can make a significant difference. Look for support groups, both in-person and online, where people with similar experiences can share their stories and offer understanding.

Professional help

Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who specializes in grief. They can provide valuable tools and strategies to help you process your emotions.

Create a ritual or memorial

Creating a personal ritual or memorial can be a meaningful way to honor your loss. This could be as simple as lighting a candle, planting a tree or creating a scrapbook.

Educate others

If you feel comfortable, educate those around you about disenfranchised grief. Helping others understand your experience can lead to greater empathy and support.

Get Help for Mental Issues Stemming from Disenfranchised Grief

Disenfranchised grief is a unique and challenging form of grief that many people experience. By understanding what disenfranchised grief is and how it differs from other types of grief, people can better navigate their emotions and find the support they need. Acknowledging and validating this type of grief can lead to healing and a greater sense of peace. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Valley Hospital provides inpatient and mental health services to women and men looking for help. Offering a wide continuum of care that includes stabilization in a crisis, inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment, we’re ready to meet you where you are and help get you where you want to be. Call us at 602-755-9317 to talk to our admissions team and get started on your recovery, today.

About Valley Hospital

Valley Hospital is a private psychiatric hospital located in Arizona that specializes in mental health and chemical dependency care. We provide a full continuum of care to meet you where you are and help get you where you need to be. Our core principles are outstanding care, compassionate people and unparalleled services.

We provide a wide range of services with evidence-based treatment methods. These methods have been proven to have positive outcomes for our patients. Some of these services include inpatient, outpatient, women’s mental health program and more. We combine the best clinical techniques with state-of-the-art medical care to create the greatest potential for lasting recovery.

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call our main number at 602-926-7904.