Conan O'Brien's parents passed away within days of each other, highlighting the complex nature of grief. This article explores the public's reaction and expert insights into coping with loss, emphasizing that grief is a personal and varied experience.
- Conan O'Brien had a major personal loss
- There were several public reactions to celebrity grief
- HERE is an expert advice on grieving
A celeb's loss
Conan O'Brien recently faced the devastating loss of both his parents within a span of three days. His mother, a lawyer, and his father, an epidemiologist, both passed away in their 90s, leaving behind a legacy of raising six children. The news sparked a wave of sympathy on social media, with many expressing their condolences to the comedian and his family.
This public outpouring is a common response to celebrity loss, magnifying the emotions involved. As Shavonne Moore-Lobban, a licensed psychologist, noted to 'USA TODAY', "Even if loved ones are of advanced age, it is still hard to prepare for anything that is life-altering, whether a person knew it was coming."
The public often forms parasocial relationships with celebrities, feeling a personal connection despite never having met them. This phenomenon was evident in the reactions to O'Brien's loss. Grief expert David Kessler explained, "It's a fascinating thing that people don't realize we really can grieve people we didn't know."
Such relationships can result in genuine sorrow over a public figure's loss, even though the grief is not the same as losing a close family member.
Grief is a deeply personal experience, varying greatly among individuals and influenced by cultural, religious, and familial backgrounds.
The right way
As Kessler pointed out, "How people grieve is influenced by the relationship they had with the person they lost." Moore-Lobban further emphasized that there's no timeline for grief, stating, "There is no limit to grief and because it is a cycle or process, it will continue as long as it needs to for the person who is experiencing it."
Many have parasocial relationships with those in the public eye, be it celebrities, politicians, news anchors. You feel close to them like they're your friend or relative. O'Brien may have made you belly laugh on a consistent basis, but that doesn't mean you knew him or his family.
"It's a fascinating thing that people don't realize we really can grieve people we didn't know," Kessler added. "And it doesn't mean we're going to grieve them like our spouse or mother, father, or sister or child, but we will grieve them."
Offering support to someone grieving requires sensitivity and understanding. It's crucial not to minimize their loss or impose a timeline on their healing.
Moore-Lobban advises those grieving to talk about their feelings, whether through conversations with trusted individuals or through therapy. She also underscores the importance of self-care, saying, "Grieving is normal, understandable, and expected. We should grieve the loss of another person, which also honors the memory of that person."
If you're going through loss yourself, talk about it. This "might mean acknowledging it and being open with someone you trust, about how you are feeling," Moore-Lobban says. "It might also include engaging in therapy with a mental health provider, which can be individual or group therapy. Talking about it can also occur by writing, meaning a person can journal about how they feel and what they are thinking."
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"Grieving is normal, understandable, and expected," Moore-Lobban says. "We should grieve the loss of another person, which also honors the memory of that person."
