📢 Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone and for many men, it’s invisible.

In this powerful episode of Female Voices: Life and Loss, we welcome back licensed clinical social worker and mental health advocate Derrick Howell for a crucial conversation around Bereaved Fathers Day and the often-overlooked journey of fathers grieving the loss of a child.

With compassion, expertise, and lived experience, Derrick explores the emotional complexities of male grief, how societal expectations shape the way men express (or suppress) their pain, and what families, partners, and communities can do to truly support the men in their lives after loss.

Whether you’re a grieving dad, a partner seeking to understand, or a friend wanting to do better, this episode offers deep insight and practical tools to create healing spaces where fathers are no longer forgotten in grief.

Key Topics Discussed:

✔️ The unique grief experience of bereaved fathers

✔️ Why men’s grief is often minimized or overlooked

✔️ The societal expectations that hinder male vulnerability

✔️ How to honor Bereaved Fathers Day without emotional pressure

✔️ Tools for grieving dads who may not feel ready for therapy

Key Takeaways:

✅  Grieving fathers need space to feel without pressure to perform sometimes, simply asking what they need makes all the difference.

✅  Men often return to work quickly after loss, not because they’re ready, but because it feels like the only socially acceptable outlet.

✅  Creative tools like journaling, voice memos, or art can help men process grief in nontraditional ways, especially if they’re hesitant to seek therapy.

✅  Peer support and professional support can complement each other, group connection offers community, while one on-one work can accelerate healing.

✅  Active listening, avoiding assumptions, and not minimizing pain are key when supporting a bereaved father.

Quotes to Remember:

💭 “Men are often expected to provide and protect and when loss happens, it can shake their entire identity.” Derrick Howell

💭 “Care is usually reserved for the mother. Credibility is expected from the father.” Derrick Howell

💭 “Sometimes asking, ‘What do you need?’ is the most respectful and supportive thing you can do.” Derrick Howell

👉 Connect With Us:

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Email: femalevoiceslifelosspodcast@gmail.com