”What to do if my friends are insensitive to how I feel?
There are many reasons why friends may become distant especially after a traumatic loss. As unreasonable as it sounds, sometimes people behave as if our loss is contagious.
Sometimes, in an effort to convince themselves that this could never happen to them, people around us try to blame the victim, or even the family, trying desperately and unkindly to find a reason why they may be spared our fate.
If your friends say insensitive things, perhaps it is best, in the name of friendship, to try to gently educate them. If they just drift away and lose contact with you, there are many places you can go for sincere, sympathetic, understanding friendships.
Connect with a local support group, if you can. You may make valuable new friends there. Finding people who share a similar loss can often make a big difference in our lives. Find people to spend time with. It is important that you do not isolate yourself from social contact, it can lead to serious depression and other complications.”
~ Bill Jenkins, What to do After the Police Leave: A Guide to the first days after traumatic loss (Bill’s 16-year-old son was killed during a robbery at his first job). From “Grief Speaks” on Facebook
There are many reasons why friends may become distant especially after a traumatic loss. As unreasonable as it sounds, sometimes people behave as if our loss is contagious.
Sometimes, in an effort to convince themselves that this could never happen to them, people around us try to blame the victim, or even the family, trying desperately and unkindly to find a reason why they may be spared our fate.
If your friends say insensitive things, perhaps it is best, in the name of friendship, to try to gently educate them. If they just drift away and lose contact with you, there are many places you can go for sincere, sympathetic, understanding friendships.
Connect with a local support group, if you can. You may make valuable new friends there. Finding people who share a similar loss can often make a big difference in our lives. Find people to spend time with. It is important that you do not isolate yourself from social contact, it can lead to serious depression and other complications.”
~ Bill Jenkins, What to do After the Police Leave: A Guide to the first days after traumatic loss (Bill’s 16-year-old son was killed during a robbery at his first job). From “Grief Speaks” on Facebook
“Bereavement support groups are safe acceptance havens to let tears of deep sorrow flow.” ~ Sue Rosenbloom
“Tears of joy memories are indescribable heart-tuggers.” ~ Sue Rosenbloom
