Narrative orphaned: When grief overwhelms.

Abstract

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The loss of a parent for an adult can be devastating and can impact other relationships. The adult, in absence of parental love and support, may question their own identity. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: A narrative is used to explain the adults' experience of parental death and their new identity of being orphaned. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Increased awareness for adults grieving the loss of a parent(s), as to the normalcy of feeling orphaned Adults grieving the death of a parent(s) are provided resources and support in addressing their grieving process. ABSTRACT: Introduction When a parent dies during their child's adulthood, the life of the adult is altered as the familiarity of parental love and safety changes. The isolation and loneliness penetrates deeply as the orphaned adult must now navigate their world in absence of the most significant people in their lives, their parents. Aim To assist persons affected by parental death in understanding the normalcy of feeling orphaned while grieving. Method The use of a personal narrative to provide mental health support to others. Results The resumption of a routine that existed before parental death is possible, but takes time. Intermittent periods of grief can occur throughout one's life. Discussion When grief interrupts one's ability to function daily and the affected adult has relationships impacted by their parent's death, it is recommended that the adult seek mental health treatment. Implications for Practice Narratives can be used with persons affected by parental loss, to provide an example of normal versus complicated grieving and identify when mental health treatment is needed.