Grief in Young Adulthood: Losing a Parent Before 30

Losing a parent in your teens or twenties is a uniquely painful experience that can shape your identity, relationships, and mental health for years to come. In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent speaks with Harry and Hannah from It's Time Charity, which supports young adults aged 16–30 who have experienced parental loss. Together, they explore the impact of grief in young adulthood, from missing milestones like graduations, weddings and parenthood, to navigating university life while grieving, and the emotional triggers that resurface over time. They also discuss practical coping strategies, how to support someone who's grieving, the difference between grief and trauma, and why therapy can help even years later. Whether you’ve lost a parent, are supporting a friend, or work in mental health, this conversation offers comfort, insight and solidarity.

#GriefInYoungAdulthood #ParentalLoss #ItsTimeCharity #YoungAdultGrief #MentalHealthSupport #TheAspiringPsychologistPodcast

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Why this episode matters
• 01:11 – Grieving in your 20s: different to older age
• 04:05 – The myth of "being strong" after loss
• 06:28 – Talking grief in inner circles vs with strangers
• 07:31 – When you’ve lived longer without them than with them
• 10:03 – Parenthood and re-experiencing grief
• 13:28 – Nursery milestones and the absence of photos
• 17:07 – Keeping memories alive through food and traditions
• 19:46 – How to support someone grieving a parent
• 24:40 – Grief anniversaries and meaningful gestures
• 28:03 – Coping strategies, including risks like substances
• 35:18 – The difference between trauma and grief
• 39:02 – Therapy is worth trying more than once
• 40:37 – What It's Time Charity offers
• 43:25 – Where to find It's Time Charity online

Connect and Follow It's Time Charity here:

https://www.itstimecharity.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/itstime_charity/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-s-timecharity/posts/?feedView=all

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