S2, Ep16: The Meaning of Loss | Male grief, trauma & emotional wellbeing

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Ben Blackman, therapist at Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions. Ben shares his personal journey after losing his father and the silence surrounding grief, particularly for men, which inspired him to support others through their experiences of loss. In this episode you will learn: The unique challenges men face in expressing grief and seeking support What disenfranchised grief is and how societal expectations often invalidate men’s pain How to create safe spaces to process death, loss, and emotional complexity Practical insights for supporting yourself or others through bereavement and major life transitions Why talking about grief is essential for mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, grief support, emotional wellbeing, and coping with loss, offering insight, guidance, and reassurance for navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences.   Hear more from Ben: www.adventuringloss.com @adventuringloss   Timestamps: 00.00: Understanding Grief: A Universal Experience 06:51: Ben's Journey: Personal Loss and Professional Growth 12:27: The Complexity of Grief: Individual Experiences 28:58: Understanding Grief: Anticipatory vs. Sudden Loss 35:49: The Importance of Open Conversations About Death 45:52: Supporting Others in Grief: The Power of Listening