Is a term that is a type of grief that is not often recognized by those around us. Examples of may by a loss of a pet or the loss of a home or residence (especially in the case of children, whose grief too often goes unnoticed and who may not understand themselves what has happened). Kenneth Doka writes, “The paradox of disenfranchised grief is that grief is often intensified while normal supports are lessened.” This form of grief is one that people experience when they incur a loss which cannot be openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned, or publicly shared.
Kenneth Doka further states, “there are circumstances in which a person experiences a sense of loss but does not have a socially recognized right, role, or capacity to grieve. In these cases the, grief is disenfranchised.” It is not in common for them to be overlooked in receipt of the support they so desperately need. They in turn risk developing loneliness, hopelessness, anger, depression, and grieving in private as they feel they are all alone. As is generally agreed, it is important to acknowledge the reality of the loss and changed life; second allow oneself to experience the sorrow and varied emotions of their journey with grief; third, adjust to the new environment with the loss; and fourth, reinvest in the new reality, with all the responsibilities demanded while rebuilding your life anew.
It will be important to find a support system that will enable one to share and express their inner feelings and anxieties. So often people who feel like they are all alone and do not have anyone with whom they may share their burden with may risk breaking under the strain of despair. There are support systems and groups available to assist people so they do not think they are all alone in the world. Also use letters, poems, memorials or a memory album as a way of expression. This is Sunrise.
