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Ambiguous Grief & Overwhelming Pain
As a result of a divorce 40 years ago, and minimum access to my children who are now adults, I am living with ambiguous grief and now no access to my grandchildren. For many years, my new wife of almost 35 years did everything possible to support and love my children, and even now we are struggling with their rejection and expectations we cannot meet. This is a longer story than I care to write about in this forum, but I am realizing this pain is affecting my happiness.
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@michaelsloss Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
I have not personally experienced what you have however there are several members in this Loss & Grief Support group who are estranged from their adult children for all sorts of reasons. The reason for not having access to one's children or grandchildren is not the issue unless you are trying to figure out how to mend this long time apart. From what you have written it is emotional pain of that loss that is affecting you now.
There is a clinical psychologist in the Bay Area in California who specializes in this. His name is Dr. Joshua Coleman. One of my friends trained with Dr. Coleman and so with my friend's endorsement I have confidence in Dr. Coleman's work. Dr. Coleman does limited virtual sessions (one session, nothing ongoing) that are very expensive however he also has books and articles on this topic that may be helpful to you
Joshua Coleman:
-- https://www.drjoshuacoleman.com/
Have you worked with a mental health therapist? While 1:1 sessions may be helpful perhaps there is group therapy online or near where you live where you can hear about others' similar experiences and feelings and share your own.
If you haven't worked with a mental health therapist then is that something that interests you?
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