Category: Social Issues: Health

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Grief is a response to profound loss which comes in many forms and affects people differently. Resources, wellness practice and support networks are important ways to facilitate healing from this experience, especially as it pertains to marginalized loss.    

By Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer

Grief is the experience of and response to loss. (1) Although typically associated with the death of a loved one, it can occur after any loss. (1) (2) It can take many forms, making it difficult to pinpoint because grief varies across persons, situations and cultures. Some examples of specific subforms are abrupt (sudden/unexpected), climate (environmental anxieties), and anticipatory (loss about to happen) grief. (3) Major systemic forms of grief are demonstrated through collective grief (grief typically found in large-scale tragedies or under human rights violations) and disenfranchised grief (when grief is stigmatized or disregarded by others). (3) Connected to this latter form is disenfranchised guilt and stress, whereby an individual feels frustrated yet unentitled to grieve because it has been socially disregarded. (4)  

On the broadest level, grief can be separated into two categories: uncomplicated and complicated. (2) The former follows the healthiest progression where the person’s grieving journey finalizes with acceptance and/or peace. Uncomplicated grief rarely needs medical intervention, as it is healthy to allow the grieving process to play out with appropriate wellness and support systems in place. (2) Conversely, complicated grief is prolonged suffering, where the individual is perpetually yearning and in distress from their loss. (2) In this case, targeted therapies can be important for the griever’s well-being. (2) 

There are many physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms attached to grief, including isolation, eating and/or sleep disturbances, distress, shock, denial, anxiety, and (when extreme) substance abuse and/or suicidality. (1) (2) (5) (6) Many wellness techniques can be beneficial for relieving grief whenever it arises, including self-care and connecting with others. (1)  

Disenfranchised and Collective Grief 

Collective grief is a result of large-scale tragedies, disasters or loss that affect all members of a population. (7) Examples include the devastating Fort MacMurray fire in 2016, (8) as well as Edmonton communities forming from widespread eco-grief. (9) Such events can negatively impact community, interpersonal and intrapersonal functioning. (7) In this case, grief, confusion, disrupted living, safety fears, and disenfranchisement are common. (7) Furthermore, social justice implications are involved in collectivized grief because the pain of marginalized populations is more likely to be stigmatized, undermined and/or unacknowledged. (7) (10) The impacted communities are less likely to receive the support or resources they need for healing/rebuilding. (10) In some cases, the grievers are viewed as at fault for their circumstances and are, subsequently, underserved. (10)  

Grief from and alongside drug addiction or overdose is frequently invalidated, despite the ongoing crisis and cycle of guilt, trauma, and loss associated with those affected. (11) (12) Despite efforts such as Edmonton’s Overdose Awareness Day (first held on August 31, 2022), those struggling with addiction have difficulty accessing adequate treatments and resources. (11)  

Indigenous communities face disproportionately high levels of loss, which is further complicated by stigmatization, difficulty accessing resources (such as rehabilitation centers), and a need for thorough investigations/justice for violence against Indigenous Peoples (for example, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls). (13) (14) A recent workshop intended for Inuvialuit and Gwich’in youth was hosted by the Western Arctic Youth Collective in Inuvik; it targeted mental wellness by establishing an Indigenous safe space for discussion and activities on grief and promoting hope which yielded promising results for healing. (15) (16)

Collective and disenfranchised grief are intertwined. Outside observers can also experience collective grief as a result of being exposed to the loss of others. (7) As such, adequate and honest exposure to the loss of marginalized communities is imperative for understanding, destigmatization, and inclusive efforts for healing. (7) Bearing witness to grief is a powerful way to support grieving communities. The pain that loss brings needs to be attended to through acknowledgement, support, and resources, with systemic gaps needing to be filled in order to help every griever.  

RECOVER’s Soloss Project 

Albertans are not immune to grief. RECOVER’s Soloss project targets disenfranchised grief in street-involved Edmontonians. (17) Soloss conducted an ethnographic study which found that profound grief was pervasive in this population, which has been minimized and ignored (disenfranchised) producing further stigmatization, mental illness, substance use, isolation, and eviction. (17) Subsequently, Soloss has become a community care intervention which employs diverse Losstenders (trained recruits who connect with grieving Edmontonians) to facilitate intercultural healing through art and bearing witness to loss. (17) This has not only helped marginalized persons receive important support for their bereavement but also informs fellow Edmontonians to understand this suffering. (17) The project has helped many grieving populations including Indigenous Peoples, those in addiction recovery, refugees and immigrants, and social service workers through acknowledgement and holistic therapies. (17) Overall, this intervention seeks to fill the gap in resources available to equity seeking grievers in Edmonton by establishing connections and integrative practices to facilitate peace. (17) 

Establishing Wellness in The Face of Grief  

There are many ways to promote healing when grief arises. Different resources and wellness practices work for differing persons and circumstances, but some tips for healing are as follows: 

• Connect with loved ones and/or a support network (1) 
• Practice self-care/self-loving strategies (1) (6) 
• Avoid trying to rush the healing process (1) 

• Plan ahead for triggering holidays or occasions which may reignite grief (1) 
• Be honest about your feelings and acknowledge your loss (1) (6) 
• Allow for life to change while still remembering and honouring your loss (1) (7) 

Connecting with resources can also be beneficial, with many targeted programs/services available to help. Edmonton’s Grief and Trauma Healing Centre is available for therapeutic aid. Alberta Health Services lists many services for grief available here. As previously described, Soloss is also open for disenfranchised grievers, with Losstenders available to be booked here. 

Amethyst Zapisocky is working towards a BA in psychology at the University of Alberta. A fourth-year undergraduate student, her career focus is on research and social development. She values equity, learning, and philanthropy. Personally, Amethyst enjoys statistics, mindfulness and jazz music. 

References 

1. Canadian Mental Health Association (n.d.). Grieving. CMHA Alberta Division. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://alberta.cmha.ca/documents/grieving/  
2. Zisook, S., & Shear, K. (2009). Grief and bereavement: What psychiatrists need to know. World Psychiatry, 8(2), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2009.tb00217.x  
3. Gillette, H. (2022, December 19). 9 different types of grief. PsychCentral.  Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://psychcentral.com/health/types-of-grief  
4. Degges-White, S. (2021, March 30). Disenfranchised grief: Mourning events that never were. Psychology Today. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/lifetime-connections/202103/disenfranchised-grief-mourning-events-never-were  
5. The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre. (n.d.). Your journey to healing. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.healmyheart.ca/  
6. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2022, September 6). Grief and loss. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/grief-loss/index.html  
7. Kropf, N. P., & Jones, B. L. (2014). When public tragedies happen: Community practice approaches in grief, loss, and recovery. Journal of Community Practice, 22(3), 281-298. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2014.929539  
8. Baretta,, G. (2016, June 1). The fire is out, but the grieving continues. The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.healmyheart.ca/blog/fire-grieving-continues  
9. Wdowczyk, A. (2022, August 29). Edmonton climate activists use their ‘eco-grief’ as a tool for building communities. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-climate-activists-use-their-eco-grief-as-a-tool-for-building-communities-1.6562046  
10. Bordere, T. C. (2016). Social justice conceptualizations in grief and loss. In D.L. Harris, R.A. Neimeyer & T.C. Bordere (Eds.), Handbook of social justice in loss and grief (pp. 9-20). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315659756  
11. Junker, A. (2022, August 30). Edmonton and area to mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-and-area-to-mark-international-overdose-awareness-day-on-wednesday  
12. Giacomucci, S. (2020). Addiction, traumatic loss, and guilt: A case study resolving grief through psychodrama and sociometric connections. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 67, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2019.101627  
13. Stewart, C. (2022, September 28). ‘Nothing is being done’: Services desperately needed in Maskwacis says grieving father. APTN News. https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/grieving-father-services-drugs-murder-samson-cree-nation/  
14. Liewicki, N. (2022, December 4). Grief in Long Plain First Nation after 2 women from Manitoba community identified as homicide victims. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sadness-grief-long-plain-first-nation-chief-1.6673225  
15. ‘My pain had a place’: Youth mental health event in Inuvik focuses on grief and loss. (2022, December 17). CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuvik-youth-mental-health-gathering-1.6687303  
16. Western Arctic Youth Collective. (2022, November 18). WAYC is hosting a Youth Mental Wellness Gathering in Inuvik Dec 9-11, 2022 for youth ages 18-30. During [Image attached] [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/waycwaycwayc/photos/a.117064356752069/693637732428059  
17. RECOVER. (n.d.). Soloss. Urban Wellness Edmonton. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.urbanwellnessedmonton.com/soloss  

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Though neurodiversity is often confused as being a mental health and wellness concern in need of “curing”, it is an aspect that deserves celebrating.  However, neurodiverse individuals remain susceptible to comorbid mental health concerns which are deserving of attention.      

By Jordan Clark Marcichiw, ESPC Volunteer

What is Neurodiversity? 

The term neurodiversity was coined by Judy Singer in the late 1990s as part of a self-advocacy movement aimed at increasing the inclusion and acceptance of all neurodiversities. (1)   Neurodiversity is a term which describes “differences in the brain that cause some people to think, learn, process, and behave differently” (2) and is typically associated with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Movement advocates argue though neurodiverse individuals may experience challenges which may cause varying levels of difficulties or (dis)ability, they also have strengths, live meaningful lives, and are deserving of equitable opportunities and rights. (3)    

Neurodiversity and Mental Wellness 

Unfortunately, neurodiversity can be misunderstood as a mental health or wellness condition in need of changing and “fixing.”  This is not the case.  The terms mental health and wellness refers to “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life.” (4)  Though difficulties associated with neurodiversity can be reduced through building off existing strengths and equitable supports, it is not a state that can change or be “cured.”  Nor should it be changed or cured, as advocated by the Neurodiversity Movement. (3) This is not to say, however, that neurodiverse people cannot experience mental health or wellness issues.  Much like the general population, neurodiverse people can experience fluctuations in their mental wellness as they respond to day-to-day stressors.  Similarly, neurodiverse people can experience accompanying mental health disorders.  In fact, people with ADHD, dyspraxia, or ASD are more likely than the general population to also be diagnosed with anxiety or depression. (5)   Reasons for this may include genetic factors (5) but could also result from social marginalization and having to pretend to be “normal.” (6)   For example, recent studies have found connections between autistic masking (pretending and hiding neurodiverse behaviours to appear “normal”) and higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as exhaustion, a loss of identity, burnout, and suicidal thoughts. (6)   

How Can We Support the Mental Wellness of Neurodiverse People? 

• Embrace and include neurodiversity.  Ensure you and spaces such as your social circle or workplace are respectful and inclusive towards neurodiverse individuals.  Be accepting and ask them what support looks like to them, understanding that neurodiversity may look different for everyone.         
• Provide equitable options and support.  Treating neurodiverse people equitably allows them to receive the support they require.  Initiatives such as sensory friendly shopping hours are a great example. 

• Advocate.  Advocate for more training and funding for mental health practitioners skilled in supporting neurodivergent individuals.   

Jordan Clark Marcichiw (she/her) is a social worker who is passionate about spreading knowledge and advocating for systems change for the betterment of all individuals. Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, skiing, playing slopitch, reading, and adventuring with her pup. 

References 

1.  Baumer, N. (November 23, 2021).  What is neurodiversity?  Harvard Health Publishing.  Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645  
2. Palumbo, J.  (December 31, 2022).  How to build an inclusive recruitment process that supports neurodiversity in the workplace.  Forbes.  Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2022/12/31/how-to-build-an-inclusive-recruitment-process-that-supports-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/?sh=7eb0159a3a04  
3. Bailin, A.  (June 6, 2019).  Clearing up some misconceptions about neurodiversity.  Scientific American.  Retrieved from https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/clearing-up-some-misconceptions-about-neurodiversity/  
4. World Health Organization (June 17, 2022).  Mental health: strengthening our response.  Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response  
5. Kirby, A.  (August 26, 2021).  Is there a link between neurodiversity and mental health?  Psychology Today.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/pathways-progress/202108/is-there-link-between-neurodiversity-and-mental-health  
6. Stanborough, R.J. (November 19, 2021).  Autism masking: to blend or not to blend.  Healthline.  Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/autism-masking  

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All Albertans, regardless of their demographic background, deserve to be included and supported by mental health and wellness initiatives.  Issues such as inequitable funding models, accessibility, and siloed system designs require our attention as they continue to create barriers for mental health inclusion. 

By Jordan Clark Marcichiw, ESPC Volunteer

One in five Canadians are likely to be affected by a mental health disorder at some time in their life. (1)  Though all people are at risk of experiencing mental health concerns, marginalized groups such as youth, seniors, racial minorities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ population are at a heightened risk. (2)  Despite this, our mainstream mental health services are not always inclusive to these populations.  An American study found a significant racial divide in access to mental health services, resulting in Asian Americans to be 51% less likely to utilize services than white Americans, Latino Americans are 25% less likely, and Black Americans are 21% less likely. (3)  This racial divide has been observed in Canadian contexts as well. (4)  Having a sense of inclusion appears to have positive effects on individual and collective mental health and can prevent psychological harm. (5)  As mental health advocates, we must ask ourselves what barriers exist preventing the inclusion of equity seeking groups in mental health services. Mental health initiatives which neglect to reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of those accessing services will serve to further isolate and neglect these equity seeking populations. Therefore, inclusion must be of the utmost importance when creating mental health initiatives.   

Some examples of ways to foster inclusion include:  

Equitable and Appropriate Funding: Issues of underfunding lead to longer wait times, inefficient systems, and prevent Albertans from accessing appropriate and relevant mental health support systems. (2)  Appropriate funding models would allow the development of specialized services which address the unique issues and needs of equity seeking groups.   The Canadian Mental Health Association argues that based on a health-equity spending approach, the Government of Alberta should be spending 12% of the total health budget on addictions and mental health, when only 6% is being allocated to these causes. (2)  More information on the health-equity approach can be found here. (6) 

Accessibility: Accessibility remains a significant barrier to Albertans in need of mental health supports. (7)  Waitlists, lack of resources in rural settings, and the costs of services remain significant barriers to access. (8)  The Canadian Mental Health Association recommends our public health care model adopt mental health supports into its coverage, allowing access to mental health intervention as well as prevention. (7)  Issues such as systemic racism also has a significant impact on individual’s accessing services.  For example, a Canadian study found Black youths were less likely to access services if they felt the providers were not culturally competent, or if mental health programs were located out of their geographic community and instead clustered in higher income white neighbourhoods. (4)   Ensuring our mental health systems are actively anti-oppressive, inclusive, and equitable is a necessary step towards accessible services.   

“In the context of intercultural competence and awareness, the majority of the youths affirmed that the mere thought of experiencing a culturally inappropriate health provider was sufficient to deter them from accessing mental health services.” (4) 

Integration:  Mental health and wellness requires an integrative, collaborative approach.  Mental unwellness can be prevented through supportive community design models that supports issues such as housing, food security, and access to natural green spaces. (9)  Taking a community development approach which engages the community allows for inclusive, relevant, and integrated services to develop where clients are geographically located. (2)  Collaboration on mental health services between health providers, not-for-profit agencies, and other systems where people gather allow for holistic, wrap-around care for individuals. (2)   

Though there is a lot of work left to do, there are many agencies in Alberta who are working towards mental health inclusion.  To learn more:  

211: 211 Alberta allows for easy access to information on available mental health resources in Alberta.   

Alberta Family Wellness Initiative: AFWI conducts research on mental health and wellness and provides education to better support policy and practice around mental health.        

The Family Center: TFC is a trauma-informed agency whose focus is on fostering healthy families and children.  They take an integrated approach, providing mental health resources for clients in community settings such as school, home, and community hubs.  

Native Counselling Services of Alberta: NCSA is an Indigenous-led agency serving to promote the resilience of Indigenous people and families in Alberta.  NCSA utilizes Indigenous ways of knowing to promote mental wellbeing and inclusion.      

Did You Enjoy this Blog? Please provide us feedback here

Jordan Clark Marcichiw (she/her) is a social worker who is passionate about spreading knowledge and advocating for systems change for the betterment of all individuals. Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, skiing, playing slopitch, reading, and adventuring with her pup. 

References 

(1) Center for Addiction and Mental Health (n.d.).  Mental illness and addiction: Facts and statistics.  Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics  

(2) Canadian Mental Health Association (n.d.).  Making mental health matter in Alberta: Advocacy toolkit.  Retrieved from https://alberta.cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Election-Toolkit-FINAL.pdf  

(3) Chmura, A.  (April 2022).  The connection between mental health and diversity, equity and inclusion.  Workhuman.  Retrieved from https://www.workhuman.com/blog/the-connection-between-mental-health-and-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/  

(4) Salami, B., Denga, B., Taylor, R., Ajayi, N., Jackson, M., Asefaw, M., & Salma, J.  (September 2021).  “Access to mental health for Black youths in Alberta”. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada 41(9).  245-253.  Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/reports-publications/health-promotion-chronic-disease-prevention-canada-research-policy-practice/vol-41-no-9-2021/hpcdp-41-9-01-eng.pdf 

(5) Staglin, G.  (July 2020).  The essential role of mental health for a diverse, inclusive workplace.  Forbes.  Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/onemind/2020/07/14/the-essential-role-of-mental-health-for-a-diverse-inclusive-workplace/?sh=5cb932beac4d  

(6) Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (n.d.).  Achieving health equity: Why health equity matters and what you can do to help give everyone a fair shot at being as healthy as they can be.  Retrieved from https://www.rwjf.org/en/library/features/achieving-health-equity.html  

(7) Canadian Mental Health Association (October 2020).  No health without mental health.  Retrieved from https://alberta.cmha.ca/news/no-health-without-mental-health/  

(8) Rural Mental Health Network (n.d.).  Who we are.  Retrieved from https://www.ruralmentalhealth.ca/about/who-we-are  

(9) Gailling, C.  (October 2019).  Where you live makes a difference to mental health and well-being.  Tamarack Institute.  Retrieved from https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/where-you-live-mental-health-well-being 

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