Grief has been a common theme of 2020. Some people are grieving the loss of their loved ones while many are grieving what they thought their year would look like and the impact the pandemic has had on many of their plans. Despite such collective grief, this feeling isn’t something we discuss very often. It’s usually hidden away and something we work through in private.
In a bid to change this, Sydney locals Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn have created Good Mourning — a podcast that hopes to modernise the conversation around grief while also providing comfort for others who have experienced loss. Good Mourning also aims to be a helpful resource for those supporting loved ones through a tough time.
Douglas and Carn both unexpectedly lost their mothers within the last year, in November 2019 and February 2020 respectively, and found that the grief resources and support groups available didn’t resonate with them as two people in their 30s. And, there wasn’t a platform that discussed grief openly and honestly either. So, the pair have created their own.
“We decided to start Good Mourning to help to encourage an honest conversation around bereavement,” Douglas said in a press release. “There are so many fellow Aussies doing it tough right now, with the pandemic altering the lives of so many.
“Losing a loved one can be incredibly lonely, and by sharing our own personal stories and the stories of others, we hope to shine a spotlight on loss, and help others feel less alone.”
The podcast series launched today, September 18, with three episodes. In the first and second episode, both Douglas and Carn detail their stories of losing their mums and their relationship with grief. Douglas, whose mum passed away from a sudden seizure and Carn, whose mum died unexpectedly by suicide, are candid in these conversations and offer relatable and helpful information.
The third episode features an interview with Brisbane-based stylist, author and podcaster Sally Steele, who shares how her father’s passing transformed her life and career.
While discussing grief might feel foreign to you, listening to Good Mourning might help normalise these feelings and give you the courage to more openly discuss grief with your loved ones and let them know how it affects your day to day life.
Good Mourning is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and all other major podcast platforms.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. You can also speak with someone confidentially at Headspace by calling 1800 650 890 or chat online here.