ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
A different kind of grief — what true crime pods often overlook
A different kind of grief — what true crime pods often overlook
A different kind of grief — what true crime pods often overlook
Saturday 26th April 2025
Explore the unique grief of survivors often missing from true crime stories with psychologist Patricia Harney.
30 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Honest
Eye-opening
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Unmasking Grief: The True Crime Oversight
Episode Overview
- True crime stories often miss the grief experienced by survivors.
- Traumatic loss involves distinct emotions like fear and shame.
- Empathy from law enforcement can aid healing.
- Community support is vital for processing bereavement.
- Stigma around murder affects survivors' willingness to seek help.
The element that's often left out of true crime coverage is the nature of the grief the people left behind.
In this gripping episode of 'All In The Mind', psychologist Patricia Harney shares her personal journey through the complex maze of grief following the murder of her boyfriend, David. Patricia, who avoided true crime content for years due to its painful proximity to her own experience, has recently begun to explore these narratives again. She reveals a glaring omission in many true crime stories — the profound grief experienced by those left behind.
This conversation dives into the unique challenges faced by survivors of traumatic loss, contrasting it with more expected forms of grief. Patricia's story is not just about loss; it's about the intense emotions that accompany such tragedies, including fear, shame, and post-traumatic stress. Her candid recounting of her nightmares and the long-lasting impact on her life offers a raw glimpse into the aftermath of violent death.
Despite the passage of time, the unresolved nature of David's murder left Patricia grappling with uncertainty and fear. The episode also touches on the healing power of empathy and validation. Patricia discusses how new information about David's murder and the empathetic approach from law enforcement helped alleviate some of her anguish and shame. This insight is crucial for anyone dealing with traumatic grief, highlighting the importance of understanding and support.
Patricia's experience sheds light on the need for community and social connections in processing bereavement, especially in cases of murder. Her reflections offer a poignant reminder that behind every crime story lies a human experience often overlooked by sensational narratives. Tune in to hear Patricia's powerful testimony and gain a deeper understanding of the emotional toll that true crime can take on survivors.