Secondary Losses
Understanding Loss
Losses often have a ripple effect. An initial event, like a death or divorce, can lead to additional losses, all of which can result in big feelings. “Secondary” means that these losses result from another event, not that they are any less impactful or less difficult. Identifying and acknowledging secondary losses is an important part of understanding and supporting someone through a hard time.
While secondary losses come in many forms, children and teens in your life may have experienced—or might currently be experiencing—secondary losses like these:
Compounding Hardships
The short videos below highlight secondary losses. This short clip from Speaking Grief, Grief Advocate and Educator Alesia Alexander, helps explain how the primary loss causes secondary losses—and the profound impact those hardships can have.
The reason secondary losses can be so disruptive is that they often compound and involve changes to someone's day-to-day experience.
Key Takeaway:
Secondary losses may become evident immediately after the initial event or develop over time. It is important to recognize these losses and take them into account when offering support.
Unpacking Losses: Entering Foster Care
This segment from The Challenge We Face by the Camilla Network examines secondary losses for children in the foster care system. As you watch, try to note each loss you witness.
In the video, we see a number of secondary losses experienced by kids in foster care including:
- Loss of routine
- Separation from siblings
- Loss of pets due to changes in homes
- Changing schools
- Loss of opportunity
Sharing What You Know
When someone is in the middle of a loss experience, they might not even be consciously aware of the impact secondary losses are having on their life. If a kid or teen in your life has a peer who is navigating loss, you can discuss how the singular loss may have led to other losses and how to practice patience and compassion.
