The psychological support project is renewed

Beyond the pain of loss is the project that we have been carrying out since last summer together with the Umbrian delegation of the Ant Foundation. It is a free listening and support space designed for those who, in this complex historical moment, are experiencing a period of psychological suffering linked to the death of a loved one.

Since July 2020, 21 mourners have had access to this free counseling and support service. Almost all are women between the ages of 18 and 77 who, for the most part, preferred meeting with the psychologist Dr. Giacomo Ercolani, contact person for the service.

Among them Maria Cristina who lost her father due to a liver tumor at the very beginning of the lockdown last March: "The first wave of Covid-19 was just a further blow that added to the pain of the loss. Even though we knew it was coming, it still brought unspeakable suffering. So, with the courage born of despair I asked for help. And asking for help with humility is, in my opinion, already a step forward for healing from the pain of death which unfortunately has its "technical times" which vary from person to person. Talking, crying, reflecting and metabolizing were the words that summarized the meetings. This helped me better understand what was happening to me by instilling in me, time after time, what I needed; confidence in myself, a better understanding of my / our frailties, the discovery that having conflicting feelings is normal. Dr. Ercolani, right from the start, was also available to mediate very difficult family situations and helped me to focus on the problems that the loss of a loved one entails living it for what it is".

"In home palliative care we know well how important it is to work in the so-called time of anticipatory mourning - commented Dr. Giacomo Ercolani - The task of the various professionals is to accompany the sick person and the family at the end of life, supporting them in their different care needs. For various reasons, also due to the manner of death and other variables, not all people can receive such care during the period when they lose a loved one.For this reason, the free consultancy service offered by the “Beyond the pain of loss” project is precious, because it intercepts those needs that would otherwise not have a listening space. In addition to offering advice and support paths, we are also accompanying some people in the services most suited to their needs by providing the help and guidance necessary to avoid the chronicity or aggravation of some conditions. The interest and participation in the project, also fueled by word of mouth, makes us aware of the importance of continuing on the path we have taken, especially at such a critical moment for our National Health System".

For this reason, also for 2021 the social project “Beyond the pain of loss” will be renewed and expanded.