Background
Traumatic deaths caused by traffic accidents, tuberculosis, interpersonal violence, and suicide are the leading causes of death among young people aged 15–29 years (WHO, 2021). Alcohol and drug abuse have contributed to premature death of young people in Finland (Euronews, 2023). Traumatic deaths are characterized as sudden, unexpected, violent, mutilating, destructive, and/or preventable types of deaths.
After the death of a child, parents may experience prolonged grief disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression disorder, physical health problems, and social difficulties, including problematic spousal relationships. However, both non-specialized physicians and laypeople frequently misunderstand parental grief, which is characterized as a typical reaction after the death of a child and is often accompanied by pointless diagnoses, pointless medications, and stigmatization of symptoms. Therefore, bereaved parents may refuse professional assistance or may receive only limited assistance.
In Finland, 95% of the people regularly use social media. With a large proportion of Finnish people having access to the Internet, there are encouraging opportunities to maximize online grief assistance in Finland and throughout Europe. Online grief support can therefore be a promising means of helping parents, particularly in Finland and worldwide.
Duration: 2022-2024
Goal
To support the agendas of the European Health Union, Horizon Europe, and the formulation of the United Nations Sustainable Goals, particularly those that deal with family, health, and well-being. In addition, it contributes to the Digital Agenda of Europe by introducing digital technology to society.
Impact
Creating a comprehensive online grief support system for parents who have lost a child is a valuable and compassionate initiative. Such a platform should aim to provide a safe, confidential, and accessible space where parents can connect with others who have experienced a similar loss and access the resources, they need to cope with grief effectively.
Funding
This project is funded by the European Commission.