Have you noticed an increase in the number of horrific deaths in recent years? Do you feel lost, unsure of how to grieve people you’ve never met? Mourning the loss of someone’s life, even if it is someone you have never met, is a sign of human compassion and completely normal.

During a horrific event, like a mass shooting in an elementary school, cinema, or nightclub or terrorist activity that targets a certain group because of their skin color, beliefs, or lifestyle, it can compound the grief we feel for the victims. Is this something you’ve experienced?

If you want to learn more about grieving when there is horrific loss, 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 shares her perspective.

Grieving when there is horrific loss is different than grieving over the death of a friend or family member. This interview is a chance to learn about this type of grief and what you can do about it.

What Type of Grief Could I Feel with Horrific Loss?

Valerie begins the episode by explaining the difference between the grief we feel when losing a loved one and the type we experience after learning about large scale loss of life.

Then Valerie talks about why it’s okay to grieve the victims of these senseless acts of violence, even if you don’t personally know any of them.

In this day of age, information from around the world is at our fingertips whether we watch television or surf the internet. The instantaneousness exposes us to a wide range of emotions, including grief.

Is It Normal to Experience This Type of Grief?

Next Valerie discusses whether it’s normal to grieve over this type of loss. During the podcast she answers related questions such as:

- Why do we grieve over victims of horrific tragedies who we don’t know?
- What are some healthy ways for grieving when there is horrific loss?
- Is it okay if I’m grieving a horrific loss when those around me are not?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Do I mourn victims of senseless acts of violence? Have I ever experienced grief for someone I’ve never met?

If you answered “yes” to either or both questions, then the information in this podcast may help provide answers to help you.

What Can I Do about This Type of Grief?

Then Valerie discloses the two things everyone must do if they are grieving when there is horrific loss.

Valerie goes on to share resources you can access regardless of where you live. She also shares some things you can do starting today to begin the healing process.

Although Martin Brothers is in Vancouver, the information in this podcast, like grieving after a senseless act of violence, is universal.

The episode concludes with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about grief associated with different circumstances.

Where Can I Learn More about Dealing with Grief?

Could you use a place to turn when grieving after horrific events like the recent shooting in Orlando, Florida? Would it help to have a place to talk about this type of grief? After the podcast let’s discuss your questions and comments in the space below. We’re waiting to hear from 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