On June 18th, 2025, the Department of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) continued its impactful Bridge Series with a session titled “Differentiating Normal Grief from Pathology.” With 46 attendees, from various professional sectors, but primarily medical personnel, the session sparked a much-needed conversation around how grief is viewed, managed, and supported in clinical and workplace settings. The Session Highlighted the Need for Empathy Over Pathologizing Grief – Especially Among Medical First Responders.
Hosted by Dr. Ingraham, the Department’s Clinical Psychologist, the session featured psychiatrist Dr. Roshida Brown-Clarke, who presented on the urgent need to recognize grief as a natural human experience, not a condition to be diagnosed prematurely. Dr. Brown-Clarke guided participants through the clinical distinctions between normal grief, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
“Grief is not a disorder. It is a necessary, human response to loss,” said Dr. Brown-Clarke, cautioning against the increasing number of grief-related psychiatric referrals made too soon after a loss. She described grief as “a roller coaster”, sometimes sharp and overwhelming, other times subdued and manageable.
She also highlighted the heightened physical and psychological impact of grief in older adults. Of note was a 21.1-fold increase in risk of heart attacks among individuals following the loss of a loved one, underscoring the importance of informed grief care.
Participants were introduced to Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), a therapeutic approach designed for individuals whose grieving process has become prolonged and disruptive. Still, Dr. Brown-Clarke firmly emphasized: “not everyone who grieves needs a diagnosis or clinical intervention.”
The session also featured key insights into grief in the workplace, especially relevant to medical personnel and high-stress professions:
“Let your humanity show,” encouraged Dr. Alicia Malcolm, the Department’s director, urging supervisors to lead with compassion when supporting grieving colleagues.
“Take things off their plate,” advised Dr. Ingraham, suggesting that coworkers temporarily share duties to reduce strain during grief recovery.
A third suggestion from Dr. Brown-Clarke included extending bereavement leave, allowing individuals more time to heal without pressure.
Dr. Brown-Clarke also offered practical tools to navigate grief, including:
Engaging in spiritual practices, support groups, and learning new skills
Planning ahead for birthdays, anniversaries, and other triggers
Prioritising self-care, rest, and meaningful social connection
Importantly, she cautioned against over-inquiring or intruding on grieving individuals under the guise of concern. “Check-ins should come from a place of care—not curiosity,” she said. Commenting on the training, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services stated: “Equipping our frontline professionals with the skills to navigate grief with clarity and compassion is essential. We commend the Department of Behavioural Health Services for delivering targeted training that supports sound clinical judgment while honouring the human experience of loss.”
The full session will soon be available for viewing on the Department’s official Facebook page. For individuals seeking grief support or mental health services, please use the booking link and referral form available directly on the DBHS Facebook page.
