Navigating resources as South Bx Latina dealing with loss/grief

Experiencing loss and grief as a first-generation Latina from the South Bronx with ties to Honduras can be a deeply complex and emotional journey.

For as long as I can remember, I've noticed the challenges that friends and family members experienced through loss and grief. The educated idea that grief/loss and breavement follows the stages below:

https://images.app.goo.gl/na2oLK4wxrwaMf6KA

However, the reality of it is that there is no right order or right way to grieve.

Here are some considerations:

• Dr. kübler-Ross - known psychiatrist in the 1960s researched death and dying: TABOO

• Key phrase: Death & dying: Dr. Kübler-Ross interviewed individuals who were dying. Part of this research was to identify the support and feelings/emotions being experienced by those who were facing death.

• Dr. Kübler-Ross researched didn't considered the living whom had to deal and manage the grief/loss.

"How do I handle grief/loss as a Bronx native with little knowledge to resources(?) How does the latine/x population handle or even address loss/grief 'appropriately'?"

1. Cultural Dynamics: As a Latina with roots in Honduras, the cultural customs and traditions surrounding grief and loss that influence how you navigate the grieving process. These customs may include rituals, ceremonies, and practices that provide comfort and support during times of loss. I just wonder how often this customs were passed on to our generation.

2. Intersections of Identity: My experiences of loss and grief are shaped by your intersecting identities as a first-generation immigrant, Latina, and Bronx resident with ties to Honduras. These multiple identities may influence how I perceive and express grief, as well as how I seek support and healing. I, often find myself struggling in addressing and understanding my own role in the grieving/loss process.

3. Access to Support Services: While there may be cultural and community resources available in the South Bronx and within the Honduran community to support individuals experiencing grief, there may also be barriers to accessing formal support services such as counseling or therapy due to factors like language, stigma, or financial constraints.

4. Strength and Resilience: Despite the challenges, the experiences of loss and grief can also be sources of strength and resilience. Drawing on from my cultural heritage, familial bonds, and personal resilience, I have been able to navigate through grief and emerge with a deeper sense of understanding, compassion, and connection to my roots.
   

Overall, experiencing loss and grief as a first-generation Latina from the South Bronx with ties to Honduras is a multifaceted and deeply personal journey. By honoring your cultural heritage, seeking support from loved ones and community resources, and acknowledging your resilience, you can navigate through grief with grace and strength.

Dedicated to Hope.