Episode 21: Disenfranchised Grief

Show Notes

***This episode comes with a trigger warning. We discuss grief, loss, and death. If you are not in a place to listen we invite you to skip and tune in when you are ready or to our next episode ***

Today Kristin and Tiffany talk about the heaviness of our work in transplant and LVAD; however really this can pertain to anyone that works with chronic illness, end stage organ failure, transplant and/or LVAD. We specially discuss disenfranchised grief: Ken Doka defines this as Losses that one experiences that are not openly acknowledged, socially supported, or publicly mourned. Corr defined as: “grief that one experiences when a person incurs a loss that goes against cultural norms and is not considered valid by others.” This can include person, place or thing). Examples: Non death loss; Stigmatized loss; ambiguous loss. We explore this type of grief related to the LVAD patients’ loss of water activities, transitioning from LVAD team to transplant team, the kidney patient transitioning from dialysis team to transplant team. We consider the family’s loss of team when patient passes and grief the transplant team may experience when the loss of a patient occurs. We discuss ways to honor this loss and ways to support one another.

For those seeking professional credentials, this episode qualifies for credit through the Society for Transplant Social Work for the MCS credential. Please complete the knowledge check (powered by survey monkey):

Episode Quote: “No rule book, No time frame, No judgment. Grief is as individual as a fingerprint. Do what is right for your soul.” - Michelle Steinke

“You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.” Patch Adams

Resources:

Death Café

https://deathcafe.com/

Death Cafés: Where Communities Affirm Grief | AJPH | Vol. 111 Issue S2 (aphapublications.org)

‘It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand Paperback’ – by Megan Devine

We highly value feedback from our listeners. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, or if you'd like to share any relevant experiences while maintaining HIPPA compliance, feel free to email us at BeatsBySW@gmail.com

Thank drop beat with us, if you want to beatbox more check us out on

Social media: @beatsbyswpodcast

Our website: Beats by Social Work (onpodium.co).

Like,subscribe, and review, to ensure the best goes on ;)

A disclaimer: If you are a patient experiencing a medical or mental health crisis, please seek immediate help. The information we share is not medical advice; consult your healthcare provider for specific medical conditions. If you are having a medical crisis/emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If you are having a mental health crisis call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline Toll-Free Number at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local suicide hotlines including 988

For LVAD social workers and transplant professionals, our insights come from our experience as Certified Clinical Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Social Workers. Our views are our own and not affiliated with any specific institution. This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes and does not override any institutional policies or guidelines.

As humans, we may make mistakes, but we're open to feedback and strive for accuracy. If we say something incorrect or inappropriate, please let us know so we can improve. We're here to share information and connect with our audience respectfully.