VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Death educator Susan Srigley on why we need more conversations about dying
Death educator Susan Srigley on why we need more conversations about dying
Death educator Susan Srigley on why we need more conversations about dying
Friday 17th November 2023
Death educator Susan Srigley discusses the importance of open conversations about dying and its impact on anxiety and trauma.
36 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Educational
Honest
Supportive
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Get the buttons here!Facing Mortality: Why Conversations About Death Matter
Episode Overview
- Discussing death openly reduces anxiety and fear.
- Silence around death can lead to isolation and trauma.
- Students are encouraged to talk about end-of-life wishes with family.
- Cultural taboos hinder supportive interactions during dying.
- Death education helps students feel prepared for loss.
"The denial of death is a failure of love"
Susan Srigley, a death educator at Nipissing University, is on a mission to break the silence surrounding death. In this episode of People First Radio, Susan shares her experiences teaching death studies to students who have often been left in the dark about death and its impact. Susan's approach involves having students reflect on their personal encounters with death, revealing a common theme of isolation and silence.
She argues that these unspoken fears can lead to greater anxiety and trauma when faced with loss. Susan's courses aim to equip students with the tools to openly discuss death, helping them feel less anxious and more prepared for inevitable encounters with mortality. Her teachings encourage students to have conversations with their families about end-of-life wishes, challenging the cultural taboo that often prevents these important discussions.
Susan also touches on the importance of addressing death anxiety and its potential consequences if left unspoken. Her work highlights how societal silence around death can hinder our ability to support loved ones during their final moments. For anyone wondering how to broach the subject of death, Susan suggests starting with small conversations, perhaps about a pet's passing or attending a funeral. Her belief is that talking about death openly can mitigate the trauma associated with it.
This episode offers valuable insights into how embracing conversations about death can lead to healthier attitudes towards mortality. Susan's work not only empowers students but also provides a roadmap for anyone seeking to break the silence around this universal experience. So, if you've ever felt unsure about discussing death, this episode might just offer the clarity you need.