Vilomah - The loss of a child Guidance to Grow

The New Year is about hope and new beginnings, but for a parent who's lost a child, it's really tough. Celebrating anything feels wrong when your child isn't there. New Year's is usually a time for family and friends, but there's this big empty space without your child.
In this episode of Vilomah, Jeanne van den Berg encourages parents to focus on their grief state and use the past to identify and work through their grief. She also provides advice on physical and mental recovery, including seeking help from a counsellor and finding small practical ways to give oneself new pleasure.

Navigating the holiday season following the loss of a child can seem like an overwhelming challenge. The pressure to feel joyful during Christmas, or any similar occasion, often intensifies the sense of sorrow. So, what's the approach for managing Christmas in the absence of your child? Although it's impossible to halt the agony of mourning, establishing realistic personal expectations can help ease the burden of grief.

In this episode of Vilomah, Jeanne van den Bergh, gives advise on how parents can use this time to learn about their children and share memories.

People have varied relationships with death, shaped by personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. Despite our differences, there is a universal truth that death is an inevitable part of life, and losing loved ones is a shared experience.

When there has been a loss, it is important to discuss death within families openly. These conversations, though uncomfortable, play a vital role in providing emotional support. We encourage you to embrace the discomfort and approach these discussions with empathy, fostering emotional well-being and effective navigation of the emotional aspects of death.

In this episode of Vilomah, Jeanne van den Bergh offers a concise exploration of the significance of talking about death, providing personal reflections and insights to guide you in approaching this often-taboo subject with greater understanding and compassion.

In the pain of losing a child, a profound fear many bereaved parents share is that their child will be forgotten. While society freely celebrates children's milestones, bereaved parents often face silence or even disdain when they remember their lost child. Yet, every child, whether they lived moments or decades, has touched this world and lives forever in the hearts of their parents.

In this episode of Vilomah, Jeanne van den Berg shares more on how the simple act of acknowledging a lost child's birthday or sharing memories can be a comforting gesture to grieving parents.

The experience of losing a child is an unparalleled loss, frequently misconstrued by most. If you care for a grieving parent or have a connection with one, always keep in mind that even their so-called "better" days are more challenging than one could possibly grasp. Rather than offering advice, what's truly needed is compassion and love.

Amidst this profound loss, I have undergone remarkable personal growth. My journey through grief has enabled me to provide valuable support to those who have endured a similar loss. Through my own experiences, I have gained profound insights into the complexities of bereavement, allowing me to offer genuine empathy and assistance to others navigating the same path of sorrow.

In this episode of Vilomah, Jeanne van den Bergh shares her ability to give back to those who are suffering, showcasing the incredible strength and resilience that have developed within as a result of her own loss.

Losing a child is an indescribable tragedy that inflicts profound emotional and psychological pain upon parents. In the weeks following the death of their child, parents often experience a range of intense emotions and face numerous challenges as they navigate through their grief.

In this deeply moving episode, Jeanne van den Bergh draws upon her extensive experience and offers a beacon of support to parents who find themselves navigating the unimaginable depths of grief. With empathy and wisdom, she explores the complexities of grief and shares practical strategies to help listeners navigate the difficult terrain of the first days and weeks after such a profound loss.

Through poignant personal reflections, Jeanne provides solace, understanding, and hope for those who are grieving. She addresses the unique emotions, questions, and struggles that arise during this initial stage of grief, and offers compassionate insights to help parents find their way through the darkness.

Join Jeanne as she delves into the raw emotions and challenges that parents face in the immediate aftermath of losing a child.