Disenfranchised Grief

Disenfranchised grief refers to mourning that isn’t widely recognized or supported by society. This occurs when a loss isn’t acknowledged as significant, such as the death of a pet, a former partner, or due to social stigma (like loss from a stigmatized illness). People experiencing this type of grief may feel isolated or unable to openly mourn, making their emotional pain harder to process. Recognizing disenfranchised grief helps ensure individuals receive understanding and support, validating their feelings even when the loss isn’t traditionally acknowledged as grief-worthy.