E47: I feel like there's no room for my grief in my family
Within her dysfunctional family, a grieving woman feels like there's no space for her grief, especially in her relationship with her alcoholic mom.
Listen to This Episode:
Dear Grief Guide,
In a very short time, I’ve lost my family dog, uncle, grandfather and husband's grandfather. I come from a very dysfunctional family and these losses feel like more pain heaped on top of years and years of strife.
My mother is what some people might call a "functioning alcoholic". Her grief takes up all the space in our relationship, so much so that there is no space whatsoever for my grief.
I feel like all I do is listen to her and help her with the emotions she’s feeling. It’s very one-sided, and I’m starting to grow resentful and numb out to my own emotions.
How can I set boundaries and be nice and respectful of her grief, but still take my own space to grieve and deal with my emotions? I feel like all the anger from the trauma of my childhood and her alcoholism is showing up and I'm pissed at her. She can’t see how much pain I’m in because she’s so consumed by her own and it hurts.
From,
Grieving Adult Child of an Alcoholic
Ready to find your way after devastating loss? Check out my FREE workshop: Grow Through Grief: 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Moving Forward.
Submit your anonymous letter for Dear Grief Guide here.
