Season 2: Episode #6 - The Lasting Effects of Parental Bereavement

Today’s podcast discusses a subject that has become increasingly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: what happens to children who experience the death of a loved one, particularly a parent or caregiver.

According to Dr. Dan Treglia from the University of Pennsylvania, there are an estimated 200,000 children (in the US) who have lost a parent or caregiver to COVID-19, and that realistically, the numbers are likely quite a bit higher. Dr. Treglia reports, “children who lose parents or caregivers are more likely to experience PTSD and depression. My worry is that those who feel stigmatized (by the COVID-19 deaths) won’t admit what their parent or caregiver died of, and those kids need care.”

In today’s episode, Patricia speaks with with Lauren Schneider, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Clinical Director of Child and Adolescent Services at Our House. Our House is a nonprofit organization that provides grief support following the death of a loved one, believing that the bereavement experience deserves greater understanding and acceptance. Specifically, they provide grief support groups to adults, teens, children and toddlers, geared to the age of the griever and their relationship to the person who died.

In My Backyard is brought to you by The Guidance Center, a children’s mental health agency in Long Beach, CA. In My Backyard is produced by Tricia Costales and Matthew Murray. Thank you to Jay Vincent B for original music. All other music licensed through SoundStripe. Thank you to our listeners and supporters.

Please visit tgclb.org or text HOPE to 562-262-5689 to make a one-time donation or join our Hope and Healing Club to become a monthly donor today. And subscribe to In My Backyard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.