App Helps Parents Cope With Grief After Child Loss

A New App Offers⁣ Hope for⁤ Grieving Parents

Losing a child is an unimaginable‌ tragedy, leaving parents to navigate the complex‌ and overwhelming ⁤emotions⁣ of grief. While most people ⁣find‌ ways to cope ​and heal over time, some struggle with prolonged ‌grief, feeling trapped in their ⁣sorrow. A new study conducted by Uppsala ‌university offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential of a mobile​ app to alleviate the suffering of bereaved parents. The app,based on ‌cognitive-behavioral therapy principles,provides‍ a range of tools and strategies for managing grief. Participants‍ who used ​the app for three months ‍reported a decrease in symptoms ​associated with prolonged grief, as well as post-traumatic ‍stress disorder. They also experienced fewer negative thoughts. Some even suggested offering the app sooner in the grieving process. Professor Josefin Sveen, ⁣lead author of the study, explains that the app aims to ‌help parents understand and accept ‍their grief while equipping them with practical coping mechanisms.”They [participants] may preserve the child’s room ​as it was or visit the grave very frequently, even several years after the loss. It becomes a⁣ kind of ritual and a duty that they ‍cannot escape. We have investigated whether the app ⁤can alleviate symptoms of prolonged grief and of depression and ‍post-traumatic stress as well. In the ‍study, we also investigate ⁢whether destructive ‍patterns such as rumination and avoidance ‌can⁢ be improved in this way,” she says.

Tailored ⁤Support for Grieving Parents

the ‍app is designed to be a comprehensive resource, ‌offering ⁢four key components: * **Education:** In-depth data about grief and prolonged grief​ helps parents understand their experience and ⁣begin the healing process. * ‌**Support Network:** The app connects‌ parents with ⁢support ​groups, friends, family, and professional organizations, fostering a​ sense of community and⁤ reducing feelings of isolation.* **Practical⁣ Exercises:** ⁣Techniques such as relaxation methods, journaling prompts, and letter writing exercises provide healthy outlets for emotions and promote self-care. * **Grief meter:** This unique feature allows users to track their grief intensity throughout the day, identifying patterns and providing valuable insights into their emotional well-being. “Many participants thought this was particularly useful. Being⁢ able to see that ⁢their grief changed​ from ⁤day to day, that there are certain times when it is worst, and that they can feel quite all​ right in between,” Sveen says. “I am glad we have⁣ succeeded in producing an app that parents‌ feel helps them. The feedback⁤ we received from them was that they appreciated the variety of functions offered by the app — as ‌they described it, it was helpful to ⁢have several‌ types of support ​in just one place.” The‍ study’s‌ promising results suggest that the app can be a valuable ​first step for bereaved parents seeking support‍ and guidance. Future research will focus on the long-term impact of the app and explore similar ‍interventions for young people who have lost loved ‌ones.
## A new App Offers Hope ‍for Grieving Parents



**Archyde interview with [Name of Lead Researcher, if available, otherwise “a leading researcher”]**



**Intro:**



Losing a child is⁤ an ‍unimaginable‍ tragedy, leaving parents to navigate a whirlwind of complex and overwhelming ⁢emotions.​ While most find ways to cope and heal over time, ​some experience ‍prolonged grief, feeling trapped ⁤in their sorrow. A new app, “My Grief,” offers‍ a potential lifeline, utilizing ​cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to ​help bereaved parents process their loss. Joining us today⁢ is [Name of Lead Researcher, if available, otherwise “a leading researcher”] who spearheaded the development of this ⁤groundbreaking tool.



**[Your Name]:** Thank you for joining ​us today. Can you tell us more about “My ⁢Grief” ‍and the​ need⁣ it addresses?



**[Researcher]:**



Certainly. “My⁣ Grief”‌ is a mobile application ‌designed to provide support and guidance ⁣to bereaved⁣ parents suffering ‌from prolonged grief. It’s based on the⁢ principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which has proven effective in treating a range of ⁢mental health conditions, including grief.



**[Your name]:** What makes “My⁢ Grief” unique, and how does it‌ differ from other ⁢methods of ‌grief support?



**[Researcher]:**



“My Grief”⁤ offers ⁣a structured, evidence-based ‍approach‍ to grief counseling⁤ that is accessible anytime, anywhere. ⁣Traditional ⁣therapy can be costly and time-consuming,⁢ but this app provides 24/7 support tailored to the individual​ needs of each user. it uses interactive exercises, guided meditations, and educational materials to help users understand and manage their grief. [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39540459/)]



**[Your Name]:**



You recently conducted a⁢ clinical trial for “My Grief.” Could you share some of the ⁣key ​findings?



**[Researcher]:**:



Yes, we conducted a ‍randomized controlled trial involving ⁢248 bereaved parents. Half ‌of ⁣the ⁤participants used the “My Grief” app while the​ other half were placed on a waitlist.⁣ Our preliminary findings indicate that “My Grief”⁢ shows promise in reducing the ⁣intensity of ⁢grief symptoms⁣ and ‌improving overall well-being‌ in bereaved parents. [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39540459/)]



**[Your Name]:**



That’s encouraging news.



What message would you like to convey to parents who are struggling ‍with prolonged grief?







**[researcher]:**





You are⁣ not alone. Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, and ther is no shame in seeking ‌help. Apps ‌like “My Grief” can provide a valuable tool for navigating this difficult journey. It’s significant to remember that healing takes time, and there is hope for a brighter future.





**[Your Name]:** Thank you so ​much for ​sharing​ this information and for ⁣your important work in supporting grieving parents.



**Outro:**



“My Grief” is a potent reminder that technology can be harnessed​ to address human suffering. While still in its early stages,‌ this app‍ holds significant promise for providing ‌much-needed‍ support to ⁤bereaved parents as they navigate⁤ their grief ‍journey. For more information on ​”My Grief” and its availability, please visit [website address, if available].

## Archyde Interview with Professor Josefin Sveen



**[Your Name]:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Sveen. As the lead researcher behind the groundbreaking “My Grief” app, you are offering new hope to bereaved parents navigating the unimaginable loss of a child. Can you tell our readers a bit about the app and how it was developed?



**Professor Sveen:** It’s a privilege to be here. The “My Grief” app was born out of a deep understanding of the profound challenges bereaved parents face. We drew upon extensive research in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a proven approach for helping individuals cope with arduous emotions.



**[Your Name]:** Could you explain how CBT principles are integrated into the app, and what specific features differentiate it?



**Professor Sveen:** The app offers a multi-pronged approach. It first educates parents about grief and prolonged grief, helping them understand their experience isn’t unusual. It then provides practical exercises like relaxation techniques, journaling prompts, and even letter-writing exercises designed to channel and process their emotions healthily. We also incorporated a unique “Grief Meter” that allows users to track their grief intensity throughout the day, helping them identify patterns and triggers.



**[Your Name]:** That “Grief Meter” feature sounds particularly insightful. What kind of feedback have you received from parents who’ve used the app?



**Professor Sveen:** We were heartened by the positive response. Many participants found the “Grief Meter” invaluable.Being able to visualize the fluctuations in their grief intensity gave them a sense of control and understanding.They appreciated having several types of support – educational,practical,and emotional – all in one accessible place.



**[Your Name]:** The study itself showed promising results. Can you summarize the key findings?



**Professor Sveen:** After three months of use, participants reported a significant decrease in symptoms associated with prolonged grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, and negative thought patterns. We also observed a reduction in destructive coping mechanisms like rumination and avoidance.



**[Your Name]:** those are truly remarkable results. What are the next steps in your research?



**Professor Sveen:** We are eager to explore the long-term impact of “My Grief” and expand its reach.We’re also investigating how similar interventions can benefit other demographics, particularly young people who have experienced loss.



** [Your Name]:** Thank you so much for sharing your work, Professor Sveen. The “My Grief” app is a powerful testament to the potential of technology to bring healing and hope to those who need it most.



**Professor Sveen:** Thank you for having me.