The Impact of Grief in Minority Communities: Understanding Trauma, Grief, Loss, and Stigma
"The Impact of Grief in
"The Impact of Grief in
Minority Communities"
Minority Communities"
Presented to
Presented to
San Francisco Human Rights
San Francisco Human Rights
Commission
Commission
by
by
Ernest L. Jackson
Ernest L. Jackson
July 13, 2023
July 13, 2023
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Trauma is an emotional response to
a deeply distressing or disturbing
event or experience.
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Grief is the natural emotional
response to loss.
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Loss is the absence of something
that was once present.
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All three of these concepts can be
All three of these concepts can be
interrelated. For example, the
interrelated. For example, the
death of a loved one can be a
death of a loved one can be a
traumatic event, and the grief that
traumatic event, and the grief that
follows can be a long and difficult
follows can be a long and difficult
process.
process.
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Trauma, grief, and loss can have a
variety of physical and emotional
symptoms.
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Physical symptoms:
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atigue, sleep
problems, changes in appetite,
headaches, muscle aches, and
stomach problems.
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Emotional symptoms:
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adness, anger,
anxiety, guilt, loneliness, despair, and
hopelessness.
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Cognitive symptoms:
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ifficulty
concentrating, forgetfulness, and
intrusive thoughts.
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Behavioral symptoms:
Withdrawal from
social activities, changes in eating habits,
and substance abuse.
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Stigma related to mental illness is
pervasive in the United States but
can be particularly strong in Black
and Latinx communities.
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tigma can lead to people avoiding
seeking help for mental health
problems, which can have serious
consequences for their health and
well-being.
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There are a number of factors that
contribute to stigma related to mental
illness in Black and Latinx communities.
1.
Stereotypes about mental illness.
2.
Fear of discrimination and being
ostracized in one’s community.
3.
Cultural beliefs.
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Stigma can prevent people from
seeking the help they need to
cope with complicated grief. It
can also lead to people feeling
isolated and alone, as they may
feel like they are the only ones
who are struggling.
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Educating people about mental illness
and its impact on individuals and
families.
•
Encouraging people to seek help for
mental health problems.
•
Providing culturally-sensitive mental
health services.
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Individuals who hold informal positions of
influence in and among the community as
leaders, community sages and elders, and
parental figures in underserved and
historically ill-treated
(abused, mistreated,
maltreated, neglected injured, harmed,
marginalized)
communities by the medical
profession
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Complicated grief can trigger
retaliation in the case of violence
where a family member is killed.
•
It is a form of prolonged grief that
can lead to intense emotional pain,
difficulty accepting the death of a
loved one, and a sense of
emptiness.
•
Complicated grief can also lead to
anger, rage, and a desire for
revenge.
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On December 16, 2001, an article
from the SF Chronicle appeared in
2001, titled
“
The Killing Street: A
Cycle of Vengeance and Blood Feud
in Bayview-Hunters Point.”
It was an article about a number of
unsolved homicides that had
devasted one of San Francisco’s
most close-knit communities.
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/THE-KILLING-STREETS-A-
Cycle-of-Vengeance-2839391.php#photo-2223932
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In the article, a ten-year-old boy was
In the article, a ten-year-old boy was
quoted saying,
quoted saying,
"It's Harbor Road and
"It's Harbor Road and
West Point Road, back and forth, back
West Point Road, back and forth, back
and forth. I can't get the shootings out
and forth. I can't get the shootings out
of my mind."
of my mind."
•
This is an indication that this ten-year-
This is an indication that this ten-year-
old child was suffering from post-
old child was suffering from post-
traumatic stress or complicated grief,
traumatic stress or complicated grief,
or both
or both
.
.
https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/THE-KILLING-STREETS-A-Cycle-
of-Vengeance-2839391.php#photo-2223932
In the article, two
comments stuck out:
1.
A teacher commented: "Every time
someone is killed, a large number of
the kids don't come to school," said
Faye Anderson, principal of the 21st
Century Academy public school on
Silver Avenue. "Everyone in this
community is related, it seems --
cousins, brothers -- and anytime
someone is killed, it has like a
domino effect through the
community. The children attend the
funerals. They don't understand how
this happens, and they are hurt very
deeply.”
2.
“As the homicides continue
and suspects roamed free,
many in the community see
many in the community see
the deaths as a natural
the deaths as a natural
byproduct and burden in an
byproduct and burden in an
area already beset by
area already beset by
poverty, pollution, high
poverty, pollution, high
disease rates,
disease rates,
unemployment, and a
unemployment, and a
string of broken
string of broken
government promises.”
government promises.”
Community Grief
Community grief is the experience
of grief that is shared by a
community after a shared loss. This
loss can be the death of a
community member, a natural
disaster, or a terrorist attack.
Community grief can be a powerful
force, both positive and negative.
Community Grief
In reference to Black/African American grief, a
new thought called Community Grief is
emerging and being studied.
See
See
“From
“From
Grief to Grievance: Combined Axes of
Grief to Grievance: Combined Axes of
Personal and Collective Grief Among Black Americans,”
Personal and Collective Grief Among Black Americans,”
by Da’Mere T. Wilson and Mary-Francisco O’Conner.
by Da’Mere T. Wilson and Mary-Francisco O’Conner.
Community Grief
While Black Americans are contending with
living shorter and sicker lives due to the
material manifestations of systemic racism, we
are simultaneously exposed to the abuse and
death of fellow Black Americans due to racist
violence. This chronic exposure to racist
violence marks the second axis of grief that is
characteristic of the Black American
experience—collective grief.
Community Grief
While Black Americans are contending with
living shorter and sicker lives due to the
material manifestations of systemic racism, we
are simultaneously exposed to the abuse and
death of fellow Black Americans due to racist
violence. This chronic exposure to racist
violence marks the second axis of grief that is
characteristic of the Black American
experience—collective grief.
Community Grief:
George Floyd
George Floyd
The idea of Community Grief in the
African American community is seen
and real as we all collectively watched
the execution of George Floyd at the
hands of racist
Minneapolis police. We
felt the evil and hatred inflicted on
George Floyd as he struggled to tell the
officer that he could not breath and he
called for his mother as he was dying
.
Community Grief
•
On the positive side, community
On the positive side, community
grief can bring people together
grief can bring people together
and help them to heal.
and help them to heal.
•
On the negative side,
On the negative side,
community grief can also lead to
community grief can also lead to
conflict and division.
conflict and division.
"The Impact of
"The Impact of
Complicated Grief in
Complicated Grief in
Minority Communities"
Minority Communities"
Presented to
Presented to
San Francisco Human Rights
San Francisco Human Rights
Commission
Commission
by
by
Ernest L. Jackson
Ernest L. Jackson
July 13, 2023
July 13, 2023
Conclusion
There are many ways to cope with
Complicated Grief and Community
G
rief. Some people find it helpful to
join a support group, while others
prefer to grieve privately. Some
people find comfort in religious or
spiritual practices, while others find
comfort in spending time with
loved ones. There is no right or
wrong way to grieve, and the best
way to cope will vary from person
to person.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:
•
The National Center for Grieving Children and Families:
https://www.childrengrieve.org/
•
The Dougy Center:
https://www.dougy.org/
•
The Compassionate Friends:
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/
•
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
:
https://afsp.org/
Exploring the emotional responses of trauma, grief, and loss in minority communities, this presentation sheds light on the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms associated with such experiences. It also delves into the stigma surrounding mental health in Black and Latinx communities, highlighting the barriers to seeking help and the cultural beliefs that contribute to these challenges.
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Presentation Transcript
"The Impact of Grief in Minority Communities" Presented to San Francisco Human Rights Commission by Ernest L. Jackson July 13, 2023
Trauma, Grief, and Loss Trauma, Grief, and Loss Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event or experience. Grief is the natural emotional response to loss. Loss is the absence of something that was once present.
Trauma, Grief, and Loss Trauma, Grief, and Loss All three of these concepts can be interrelated. For example, the death of a loved one can be a traumatic event, and the grief that follows can be a long and difficult process. Trauma, grief, and loss can have a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
Trauma, Grief, and Loss Trauma, Grief, and Loss Physical symptoms: Fatigue, sleep problems, changes in appetite, headaches, muscle aches, and stomach problems. Emotional symptoms: Sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt, loneliness, despair, and hopelessness. Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and intrusive thoughts.
Trauma, Grief, and Loss Trauma, Grief, and Loss Behavioral symptoms: Withdrawal from social activities, changes in eating habits, and substance abuse.
Stigma and Mental Stigma and Mental Health Health Stigma related to mental illness is pervasive in the United States but can be particularly strong in Black and Latinx communities. Stigma can lead to people avoiding seeking help for mental health problems, which can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.
Stigma In Minority Stigma In Minority Communities Communities There are a number of factors that contribute to stigma related to mental illness in Black and Latinx communities. 1. Stereotypes about mental illness. 2. Fear of discrimination and being ostracized in one s community. 3. Cultural beliefs.
The Impairment of Stigma The Impairment of Stigma Stigma can prevent people from seeking the help they need to cope with complicated grief. It can also lead to people feeling isolated and alone, as they may feel like they are the only ones who are struggling.
Possible Solutions to Stigma Possible Solutions to Stigma Educating people about mental illness and its impact on individuals and families. Encouraging people to seek help for mental health problems. Providing culturally-sensitive mental health services.
Identify Brokers of Trust Identify Brokers of Trust Individuals who hold informal positions of influence in and among the community as leaders, community sages and elders, and parental figures in underserved and historically ill-treated (abused, mistreated, maltreated, neglected injured, harmed, marginalized) communities by the medical profession
Complicated Grief Complicated Grief Complicated grief can trigger retaliation in the case of violence where a family member is killed. It is a form of prolonged grief that can lead to intense emotional pain, difficulty accepting the death of a loved one, and a sense of emptiness. Complicated grief can also lead to anger, rage, and a desire for revenge.
Complicated Grief Complicated Grief On December 16, 2001, an article from the SF Chronicle appeared in 2001, titled The Killing Street: A Cycle of Vengeance and Blood Feud in Bayview-Hunters Point. It was an article about a number of unsolved homicides that had devasted one of San Francisco s most close-knit communities.
Complicated Grief Complicated Grief In the article, a ten-year-old boy was quoted saying, "It's Harbor Road and West Point Road, back and forth, back and forth. I can't get the shootings out of my mind." This is an indication that this ten-year- old child was suffering from post- traumatic stress or complicated grief, or both. https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/THE-KILLING-STREETS-A-Cycle- of-Vengeance-2839391.php#photo-2223932
In the article, two comments stuck out: 1. A teacher commented: "Every time someone is killed, a large number of the kids don't come to school," said Faye Anderson, principal of the 21st Century Academy public school on Silver Avenue. "Everyone in this community is related, it seems -- cousins, brothers -- and anytime someone is killed, it has like a domino effect through the community. The children attend the funerals. They don't understand how this happens, and they are hurt very deeply.
2. As the homicides continue and suspects roamed free, many in the community see the deaths as a natural byproduct and burden in an area already beset by poverty, pollution, high disease rates, unemployment, and a string of broken government promises.
Community Grief Community grief is the experience of grief that is shared by a community after a shared loss. This loss can be the death of a community member, a natural disaster, or a terrorist attack. Community grief can be a powerful force, both positive and negative.
Community Grief In reference to Black/African American grief, a new thought called Community Grief is emerging and being studied. See From Grief to Grievance: Combined Axes of Personal and Collective Grief Among Black Americans, by Da Mere T. Wilson and Mary-Francisco O Conner.
Community Grief While Black Americans are contending with living shorter and sicker lives due to the material manifestations of systemic racism, we are simultaneously exposed to the abuse and death of fellow Black Americans due to racist violence. This chronic exposure to racist violence marks the second axis of grief that is characteristic of the Black American experience collective grief.
Community Grief While Black Americans are contending with living shorter and sicker lives due to the material manifestations of systemic racism, we are simultaneously exposed to the abuse and death of fellow Black Americans due to racist violence. This chronic exposure to racist violence marks the second axis of grief that is characteristic of the Black American experience collective grief.
Community Grief: George Floyd The idea of Community Grief in the African American community is seen and real as we all collectively watched the execution of George Floyd at the hands of racist Minneapolis police. We felt the evil and hatred inflicted on George Floyd as he struggled to tell the officer that he could not breath and he called for his mother as he was dying.
Community Grief On the positive side, community grief can bring people together and help them to heal. On the negative side, community grief can also lead to conflict and division.
"The Impact of Complicated Grief in Minority Communities" Presented to San Francisco Human Rights Commission by Ernest L. Jackson July 13, 2023
Conclusion There are many ways to cope with Complicated Grief and Community Grief. Some people find it helpful to join a support group, while others prefer to grieve privately. Some people find comfort in religious or spiritual practices, while others find comfort in spending time with loved ones. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and the best way to cope will vary from person to person.
Conclusion Here are some additional resources that may be helpful: The National Center for Grieving Children and Families: https://www.childrengrieve.org/ The Dougy Center: https://www.dougy.org/ The Compassionate Friends: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/
