Video: Coping with Loss when Death is Stigmatized

Dr. Kenneth Doka pioneered the concept of “disenfranchised grief,” giving a name to the reality in which mourners feel they don’t have the right to express their loss openly or fully because of the cultural stigma about how the person died. For example, those mourning a death by suicide or drug overdose may often feel that others are judging the choices and behaviors of the person who has died, or the actions taken (or not taken) by those who are grieving.

Join Dr. Doka for a compelling conversation about how survivors can cope with loss when facing these difficult situations, and how professionals can better understand and support them.

This video was recorded by the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) and presented in partnership with the TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing®.

Select image below to play the video.