Providing Grief Support for my Students
To keep it confidential, all I can say is, it's difficult to provide support for them during class. All I can do is frequently check in on them, and give hugs every so often. Having to gone through grief myself after losing my Grandma in July 2024, I know and have an idea the struggles they are going through.
It really hurts me to see them holding back their tears during class, and I really feel for them. Each person has their own drama at home, and now with this sudden grief brought upon their family, it is a lot to handle on top of classes.
Also, one of them have a relative that wants to give up on medical treatment, and is still in early 30s.. I really don't know what else I can do to help.
@Jaeteuk I don't know what you're allowed to do as a teacher, but there really isn't a lot you can do that I am aware of.
... But I'll have you know as a student myself that it probably means a lot to them that you seem to care at all. The fact that they're willing to talk about their problems with you means they feel safe coming to you to talk, and that's beautiful. 🩷
@Jaeteuk just make it known that you're a safe person they can talk to if they need to get the emotions out. Just listening can be so important.
Maybe you could also collate a list of resources for coping with grief which you can make available to them when they feel ready, and if any of them wants some support to dig deeper into that (and you can make the time) let them know you're willing to help.
I'm giving her hugs every day during class. I've even suggested coming to Cups, as there's a section on grief. It's just heartbreaking watching her try smiling despite what her emotions really are like with the grief.
@Jaeteuk 🙏
@Jaeteuk I understand that feeling because I've experienced it myself, even though it's been a long time, I still remember it! Actually, this is something everyone goes through. As we grow up, our family, relatives, and friends will leave us one by one. But all we can do is remember their faces in our hearts and carry that longing with us as we look at the world. Because I firmly believe that as long as I forever remember their faces, they will always be by our side! Some say that a person experiences two deaths in their life. The first is physical death, where the body dies, but we still remember their faces. The second death is being completely forgotten. Perhaps only when everyone forgets what they look like will they truly disappear!
That's true.. I've went through grief myself a couple of years ago.. and it took me 8 months to become functional.. I was off work and just focused on grief counselling. So, I know how my student feels, especially when the one that passed is back home, across the world. It's even harder that we can't be by their side or attend their funeral.
@Jaeteuk Such is life; it is not perfect, but we must face its challenges with courage. What they lack is not comfort, but encouragement—encouragement to face life anew, encouragement to carry on whilst holding onto their memories. And when the day comes that they learn to let go, perhaps they will pass this conviction on to many others!
