THE DEATH OF A CHILD DUE TO ILLNESS
Penthos understands the complex range of feelings involved in the loss of a child through illness. This may often involve a long and harrowing process including a phase of anxiety, diagnosis, treatment, the anticipation of the loss, and the experience of the death.
Not only are parents dealing with the death of their child and the loss of future hopes and aspirations, but they are also dealing with the aftermath of the deeply traumatic process created throughout the diagnosis and treatment phase of their child’s illness.
This may overwhelm the previous coping capacity of each partner and disrupt the equilibrium of the couple's relationship.
How does this type of loss affect a couple?
Parents often experience a range of feelings including:
Guilt e.g. I should have known sooner that my child was unwell.
Anger e.g., towards those who treat the child.
Shame e.g., at their inability to protect their child from an illness.
Remorse e.g. I should have been genetically tested.
Profound sadness e.g. I cannot bear living without my child.
Anxiety e.g. What will happen next? Nothing is safe and secure.
This can result in each seeing these responses in their partner while denying them in themselves.
Seeking Help
Penthos’ team of experienced therapists in helping parents manage and overcome their grief.
If you would like to discuss this further or set up an appointment you can do this through our contact us page