THE GREAT ROOT MOVEMENT

Scientific evidence indicates that bereaved parents are more likely to suffer more depressive symptoms, poorer well-being, less purpose in life, more health complications, marital disruption, psychiatric hospitalization, and even premature death for both mothers and fathers as early as age 40.

The death of a child is one of the greatest and most enduring stresses a person can experience.  - Institute of Medicine 

• It is common and expected to relapse and re-experience periods of deep  grief and pain in the years to come. 
• Your grief is often disorienting. Some describe it as a fog. It can be  hard to think, remember or work. 
• Common functions, like keeping a  grocery list or bills, may become insurmountable.
• Profound sadness.          
• Crying all the time or at unexpected times.
• Extreme physical exhaustion, or a manic energy.
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping all the time.
• Loss of connections with family and friends.
• Overwhelming sense of wanting to die.

Grief is not just an experience of the head and heart. Rather, grief is a whole-body experience, impacting the individual physically, emotionally, spiritually, and cognitively. The list of ways in which grief may manifest itself is almost endless. - Austin Center for Grief & Loss

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:

• 7 out of 10 emotionally, psychologically, or physically abused women display symptoms of PTSD and depression.

• Women experiencing physical, emotional, or psychological intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to report poor physical and mental health.

• Emotional or psychological abuse is a stronger predictor of PTSD than physical abuse among women.

• Studies suggest that there is a relationship between intimate partner violence and depression and suicidal behavior.

• Women experiencing domestic abuse are three times more likely to attempt suicide.

• On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.