The Wall of Grief w/ Hannah Wachter, Grief Recovery Coach
Oct 6, 2023
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Grief Recovery Coach, Hannah Wachter, discusses how to create safe spaces for grieving people in Christian communities. The podcast explores the damaging effects of loneliness and isolation, the different types of grief, the personal experiences of grief from the speaker, and the power of tears and acceptance of emotions.
Loneliness is a significant threat to our health and society, linked to heart problems, strokes, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death.
Grief is a leading cause of isolation, and Christian spaces need to shift their mindset to genuinely support and understand grief.
Deep dives
Loneliness is a significant threat to our health and society
Loneliness is not just a feeling; it is considered one of the greatest threats to our overall health and society. The US Surgeon General's report on loneliness highlights the well-established link between loneliness and various health issues such as heart problems, strokes, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The report even compares the health risks of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Grief is a major cause of isolation
Grief is identified as one of the leading causes of isolation, affecting various aspects of our lives. Whether it stems from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, family conflicts, abuse, trauma, or shattered expectations, grief weighs on individuals and can lead to a disconnection from social connections. The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing grief in Christian spaces, drawing inspiration from the early days of Christianity, where the community shared each other's burdens and was a safe place for grieving individuals.
Inadequate support in church during grief
The podcast highlights the widespread issue of inadequate support and understanding in church settings when it comes to grief. Instead of providing genuine connection and empathy, churchgoers often offer cliches and empty sentiments, unintentionally causing further pain to the grieving individual. The pressure to quickly overcome grief and the lack of an authentic support system creates an unwelcoming environment for those in need.
Building a safe church environment for grief
The podcast advocates for the creation of safe Christian spaces that genuinely support and understand grief. It calls for a shift in mindset within churches, moving from a focus on 'doing church' to 'being the church.' This change involves leading with emotion and treating others with empathy and respect. The episode stresses the importance of giving grieving individuals space, listening without judgment, and honoring their unique needs. By fostering such an environment, Christian communities can become places where individuals feel safe, heard, and supported during times of grief.
In 2023, the US Surgeon General released a report on what they called “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” According to the report, the problem of loneliness isn’t just about feeling down. It’s one of the greatest threats to the health of our bodies and our society. Loneliness is linked to higher risks of heart problems, strokes, dementia, depression and anxiety, and premature death. Whether we’re looking at church spaces, workplaces, or our local community, one of the greatest causes of isolation is grief.
In the first of our two part episode we're joined by Hannah Wachter, a Grief Recovery Coach serving in the greater Portland area. Hannah also serves as the Minister of Music at the Pleasant Valley Church in Happy Valley, Oregon.
Together we explore how to make Christian spaces safe for grieving people. You can follow Hannah's work on Instagram or TikTok here: @stayroyalqueen
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