How To Talk Openly About Death

At Grieve Leave, we believe that fostering a more grief-informed society starts with open and honest discussions about death and grief, as uncomfy they may be. This week, we want to applaud some individuals and organizations that are boldly bringing conversations about grief and grieving to the forefront (and helping people take practical steps before and after a death along the way)!

The Los Angeles Times: What to do if a loved one dies suddenly: A practical guide

The Los Angeles Times offers a practical guide on how to navigate the challenging circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of a loved one. It provides a checklist of the basic steps to follow in the event of a sudden death in the first few days and weeks after you’ve lost a spouse, parent, or other loved one whose funeral arrangements, lingering duties, or financial commitments are your responsibility.

Losing someone suddenly can be an overwhelming experience, leaving us feeling unprepared and uncertain about what steps to take next. The Los Angeles Times' guide acknowledges this reality and provides practical information on legal matters, funeral arrangements, and emotional support. By addressing these realistic aspects of death, the article empowers individuals to navigate through the immediate aftermath of a sudden loss more effectively.

Carson Drain's viral TikTok on what you can do right now to prepare for your future death

Carson Drain's viral TikTok video encourages us to face the uncomfortable topic of death head-on by discussing practical steps we can take to prepare for our own mortality. After losing both of her parents suddenly, Carson wants to spur proactive discussions about end-of-life planning and prompts us to consider our future needs and wishes.

In a society that often shies away from discussing our own deaths, Carson Drain's TikTok video is a refreshing reality check. By initiating conversations about end-of-life planning, she invites us to lessen the burden for our loved ones by planning and making important decisions about things like wills, advance directives, and other crucial elements of end-of-life planning.

Becky Robison's new website deadparentswhatnow.com

Becky Robison's new website, deadparentswhatnow.com, was started after her tongue-in-cheek tweet about a “Your Parents Are Dead: What Now?” guide went viral. My Parents Are Dead: What Now? offers a comprehensive guide to navigating life after the loss of one's parents in various stages like: “My Parents Have Literally Just Died. Please Help.” “I’m back at home now, but my parents are still dead.” and “It’s the next morning, and that whole ‘my parents are dead’ thing wasn’t a dream.”

Becky Robison's website is a testament to her own journey following her parents’ death and offers practical guidance with a healthy dose of humor to help us navigate through the really difficult, and oftentimes confusing, time after a parent’s death.

The Los Angeles Times' practical guide, Carson Drain's TikTok video on end-of-life planning, and Becky Robison's website, deadparentswhatnow.com, are just some recent examples of conversations normalizing grief and death. We want to continue to celebrate and amplify voices that bring grief and grieving to the forefront, fostering compassion, understanding, and support. 

Have you come across another video, article, or website that talked about death and grief openly and honestly that resonated with you? We want to hear about it! Email us at [email protected] so that we can spread the word about people and organizations who are taking the necessary steps towards a more grief-informed society.