Have you ever found yourself mourning someone you do not personally know? Does tragedy in the news upset you, as if you’d lost a loved one? When media alerts citizens about a tragedy in the news, many people share the emotions of the people who experienced it firsthand.

Although this is a topic we hope we never have to discuss, tragic events can impact people many miles away. Have you ever grieved for strangers who were victims of a tragedy?

If you want to know more about coping with tragedy in the news, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who defines the term and offers suggestions for coping with it.

Tragedies we hear about affect us, even if we weren’t there to experience it in person. This podcast is an opportunity to learn how to cope with grief after hearing of a tragedy in the news.

Why Do We Grieve for Those We Don’t Know?

Valerie kicks things off by explaining the grieving process, and how we become the bereaved after witnessing a tragic event.

Next Valerie segues into some generalizations about things we might see in the news that could cause us to feel grief.

Because we’re human, it’s natural for us to have compassion for others. How do you cope when you hear of a tragedy that took place somewhere else around the globe?

How to Cope about Tragedy in the News

Then Valerie discusses ways for coping with tragedy in the news. During the podcast she answers questions like:

- What are some ways we can grieve with others?
- Is it okay to keep our grief private and to ourselves?
- Where are some places in Vancouver we can go to grieve?

Now ask yourself these two things: Do I need help with coping with tragedy in the news? Have I ever grieved over a stranger? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then please listen to this podcast, as Valerie shares valuable insight into the topic.

What Can We Do for Grieving Children?

Next Valerie turns to the topic of children affected by events they see in the news.

Valerie explains why we’re compelled to tune in and watch the news during a tragic event, and what power we can use to help shield children from some of the details.

You’ll also hear suggestions for discussing grief with a child affected by a newsworthy tragedy.

The podcast concludes with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about coping with tragedy in the news, including how to recognize if you need more help with the bereavement process.

Where Can I Go for Help with My Grief?

Are you having trouble coping with tragedy in the news? Do you need to reach out to someone for advice? Listen to the entire podcast now and then share your questions and comments about this type of grief below. We look forward to talking with you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1