July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
July is Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the profound and lifelong grief experienced by parents who have lost a child.
There are no words that can take away this kind of loss, and no timeline for grief. Many bereaved parents can feel isolated or find it difficult to talk about what they're going through. This month is an opportunity to let them know they don't have to carry their grief alone.
It's also a reminder to all of us that support doesn't always require the perfect words. Simply being present, listening without judgement, and remembering their child can make a meaningful difference. To every bereaved parent, we see you, we remember your child, and we're holding space for you this month and always.
Here are some gentle reminders. 💜
1) It normalises talking about tragedy
Many people who have experienced the death of a child find it hard to talk about the child. People often avoid mentioning the person’s name or even talking about it as they think it can cause pain to the mourners. But sharing feelings always helps overcome grief.
2) Many people go through it
By the age of 70, 15% of American parents have lost a child, which is a greater number than many of us would have assumed. Bereavement affects a lot of parents around the world and although they might get better with time, they will always appreciate any support.
3) It’s an extremely stressful event
Losing a child is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. It’s safe to say that it’s every parent’s biggest nightmare. Such an event can have harmful effects on the parents, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, marital disruption, and even premature death.
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