Early Days of Grief

For those grieving a loss due to abortion, making the decision to let go of the pain is an important step in the healing process. Letting go of the pain does not mean that healing is finished and that everything is as it should be, but it does mean making an intentional decision to heal. Taking this step, however, is not as easy as it may seem. In this episode Michaelene and Skyler will discuss the significance of making the decision to let go of the pain and to continue the process of healing. They will also speak about the various aspects that can make this decision difficult to make.

Men are often overlooked when thinking about and discussing abortion. Abortion is predominantly seen as a women’s issue and even when talking about healing after abortion, men are often left out. However, grief and loss after abortion is something that affects many men as well as women. Special guest Bradley Mattes, MBS will join Michaelene and Skyler as they talk through how abortion can affect men including some of the unique aspects of how men grieve. Brad will also speak about the Men and Abortion Network and what healing for men can look like.

This episode will highlight the journey of one woman who began the healing process after an abortion, found hope and healing, and now helps others do the same. In previous episodes Michaelene and Skyler have discussed a wide variety of topics surrounding reproductive loss, as well as shared anonymous stories, and tips for becoming a safe place for hurting men and women. Now it is time to hear from someone who will share her personal experience. Special guest Leslie Brunolli will share her story of healing, and what she is doing now to help bring hope to the lives of other women impacted by abortion.

The early days of grief are often quite unique in the healing process. Men and women who are experiencing a recent loss have different needs, and as a result, those who wish to help must understand those needs, and meet the individual where they are. In this episode Michaelene and Skyler will discuss healing during the first days and weeks of grief. They will talk through what makes the early days different, as well as provide helpful tips for those wanting to help someone who is grieving a recent loss. This episode will also feature special guest Sharon St. Pierre who will introduce us to new trends of mentorship when aiding men and women impacted by abortion.

Michaelene and Skyler will discuss the importance of identifying losses when dealing with grief from abortion. An abortion experience can lead to a number of losses including broken relationships, changed self-perception, spiritual losses, and many more. Often when considering the topic of abortion, only one loss is thought of, but it is important to a hurting man or woman to be able to grieve the various losses they are feeling. Michaelene and Skyler will share some activities and tips for helpers that can aid in processing these losses, as well as speak with special guest Millie Lace about her experience founding and directing the International Helpline for Abortion Recovery.

This episode will feature special guest Martha Diamond, Ph.D. to discuss the concepts of the reproductive story and attachment. Dr. Diamond, an expert in the field of reproductive loss and founding member of The Center for Reproductive Psychology, will bring an in-depth look into the losses that can take place after an abortion. Michaelene and Skyler will also discuss with Dr. Diamond how attachment to an unborn child can begin even before conception, and how that can affect the impact that an abortion experience can have on an individual.

Michaelene and Skyler will introduce the concept of disenfranchised grief. With reproductive loss, particularly loss from abortion, our culture typically doesn’t give permission to grieve making it easy for the one suffering to feel isolated and alone. Michaelene and Skyler will open the conversation about how culture responds to reproductive loss, and will discuss some ways to help those impacted to know that they are not alone, grief is normal, and healing is available.

Michaelene and Skyler will discuss how unhealthy behaviors can sometimes surface or grow when dealing with grief from abortion. In previous episodes the point was made that there are a full range of emotions that can be felt by someone grieving a loss due to abortion, and that any emotion felt is valid and normal. Sometimes, however, feelings can arise that lead to behaviors which are harmful to the hurting man or woman. Michaelene and Skyler will discuss the importance of getting proper help, as well as provide a safe place tip on what to do when someone you know is displaying unhealthy behavior.

Michaelene and Skyler will talk through how exploring emotions is an important part of the healing process. The emotions that surround an abortion experience can be difficult to understand, and can vary greatly from person to person. Often a mix of emotions will be present after an abortion, with some positive and some negative emotions overlapping. Although this can be confusing, we will discuss some activities that can help someone process. In addition, Michaelene and Skyler will provide, as a Safe Place Tip, a practical way to help someone explore their emotions by validating their experience.

Michaelene and Skyler will discuss the importance of building a support system. In our culture abortion can be an event that leaves individuals feeling isolated and alone. As with most forms of grief, having someone to share personal feelings and experiences with can be an important part of the healing process. Finding that support system, however, is not always the most natural and easy thing to do. In addition to discussing safe methods of reaching out to others, Michaelene and Skyler will offer practical tips on how to become a safe option for someone looking to build a system of support.