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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 complex ..read more

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 ..read more

Grief is an inescapable part of life. As human beings, we possess deep, complex, multi-faceted emotions, and it’s our responsibility to learn how we individually need to process those emotions. If you are facing a season of grief keeping a grief journal might be the answer to helping you cope with and process your feelings. In this episode of Vilomah, Jeanne van den Bergh provides guidance on how journalling can help you process your grief ..read more

The death of a child of any age is a profound, difficult, and painful experience. Crying, sorrow, and anger are common emotions when dealing with death. The most obvious impact on parents is the impact of the ongoing grief and sadness of their child not being here. How do you live with the anger, the guilt, the regrets, and the grief? It's important to understand that grieving is a normal response. Grieving, however, should be managed so that activities of daily living and relationships among the survivors are able to be maintained. Misdirected anger and feelings of guilt and blame can be ver ..read more

One of the most surprising things about emotional trauma is how hard it can hit even the most stoic and grounded people. Physical injuries can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but they can be measured and are to be expected after something terrible and unexpected, like a car accident. Psychological trauma, such as the death of a child, is not at all like physical trauma. It sneaks up on people when they least expect it, mostly because of how the nervous system works. Emotional trauma can cause major changes in the mind and body. These changes can lead to feelings of shame, dependence, an ..read more

No parent is prepared for a child's death. Parents are simply not supposed to outlive their children. It is important to remember that how long your child lived does not determine the size of your loss. The loss of a child is profound at every age. You may find that you also grieve for the hopes and dreams you had for your child, the potential that will never be realized, and the experiences you will never share. If you lost your only child, you may also feel that you have lost your identity as a parent and perhaps the possibility of grandchildren. The pain of these losses will always be a pa ..read more

Losing a loved one is one of the most significant and stressful life events that all humans must experience. Navigating grief will be different for each person but it can be really helpful to validate the sadness before trying to move through it. Affirmations are a helpful tool for dealing with intense feelings of grief and loss. An affirmation is a declaration that brings clarity to the present moment. During difficult times, affirmations can help steady your emotions and create a more positive mindset. As you go through the grieving process, take some quiet moments to connect with yourself ..read more