Ep 52 - Managing grief in the ED with Liz Crowe

Navigating Grief: Lessons from the St Emlyns Podcast with Liz Crow In a compelling episode of the St Emlyns podcast, host Ian Bidsel engages in a profound discussion with pediatric social worker Liz Crow about the intricacies of grief, especially within the healthcare sector. This episode was prompted by the tragic loss of John Hines, a respected member of the SMACC community known for his work as a motorcycle doctor. Liz shares her insights into the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals when dealing with grief, both personally and professionally. The Unique Nature of Grief Grief is a deeply personal experience that varies significantly from person to person. Liz Crow emphasizes that there is no "normal" way to grieve; each individual's response is shaped by various factors, including age, personality, and prior experiences with loss. The podcast challenges the traditional Kubler-Ross model, which suggests a linear progression through five stages of grief. Liz argues that grief is a fluid process without a set path, characterized by an unpredictable mix of emotions. Grieving in the Healthcare Profession Healthcare professionals often encounter death and suffering, which can complicate their grieving process. The sudden death of John Hines highlighted the vulnerabilities even within a community accustomed to dealing with trauma. Liz and Ian discuss the common practice of compartmentalization among healthcare workers, where emotions are set aside to focus on the task at hand. While this can be a necessary coping mechanism, Liz warns against prolonged avoidance of emotions, as it can lead to long-term psychological issues. The conversation underscores the importance of self-awareness and self-care. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to acknowledge their grief and seek support when necessary. This may involve adjusting work responsibilities or taking time off to process emotions. Liz stresses that compartmentalization should be temporary and that healthcare workers need to find safe spaces to express and process their grief. Coping Strategies and Community Support Liz explores various coping strategies that can help individuals navigate their grief. These include journaling, physical activity, creative expression, and talking with trusted friends or professionals. The key is to find what works best for each person. The SMACC and FOAMed communities provide a supportive network, especially through social media, which has facilitated shared experiences and mutual support. However, Liz notes that online interactions can sometimes lack the depth needed for processing complex emotions. The podcast also addresses the public aspect of grieving, particularly when the person lost is a public figure like John Hines. For those who admired him, his death serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility. Liz and Ian discuss the discomfort of confronting mortality, especially when it involves someone perceived as larger than life. This public grieving can add another layer of complexity to personal mourning. The Importance of Open Conversations About Grief A significant theme in the podcast is the need for open dialogue about grief. Liz encourages listeners to communicate their feelings and to be open about their vulnerabilities. She highlights the cultural stigma against showing emotion, particularly among men, and calls for a shift in how we perceive emotional expression. The healthcare community, often valuing emotional resilience, may need to rethink its attitudes toward vulnerability. Ian shares his personal experiences of feeling isolated in his grief, particularly in professional settings where the expectation is to maintain a façade of normalcy. Liz acknowledges this common experience and emphasizes the importance of finding supportive communities and being open about one's struggles. Integrating Grief into Life Liz suggests that instead of viewing grief as something to "move through," it should be seen as an