Not all losses are openly recognized or supported. Disenfranchised grief occurs when others minimize, dismiss, or overlook your pain, leaving you to grieve in silence. This might include the loss of a pet, a miscarriage, the end of a friendship, the death of an ex-partner, or even the loss of a dream or identity.
You might be told, “It wasn’t that serious”, or “Just move on”. But grief doesn’t require permission. When others don’t validate your experience, it can intensify feelings of isolation, shame, or confusion. You might even begin to question whether your grief is “real” or “valid”.
But all grief is valid. Just because a loss doesn’t fit society’s expectations doesn’t make it any less painful. Therapy and support groups can be essential for healing. You deserve to be supported in your grief, even if others don’t understand it.