Our friend group used to include my brother and now when we all get together there's this awkward space where no one knows whether to mention him or act normal, and I end up feeling protective of everyone else's discomfort.
More people experience this than they realize.
Collective grief becomes complicated when the primary mourner feels responsible for managing everyone else's emotional comfort.
“Where Are You with The death of a sibling?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.