Grief is tough enough; a steep learning curve. And it’s unfairly compounded during turbulent political and economic times such as we’re experiencing in 2025. Here are three key ways these powerful forces can become intertwined and what you can do about them.
1. Financial Strain Compounds Grief
PROBLEM: For those already grieving, financial uncertainty—whether from inflation, job instability, or reduced social support programs—can make healing even more difficult. Many families struggling with the aftermath of homicide already face financial burdens like funeral costs, legal fees, and lost income. On top of that, losing a job or even the fear of job loss adds another layer of stress, leaving little emotional bandwidth for grief processing. When survival takes precedence, emotional healing often gets delayed, prolonging the impact of loss.
SOLUTION: Know The Funeral Rule (see post from 8/28/23). Shop online for caskets. Do not feel guilty if a traditional funeral service is beyond your budget at this time. Consider having it at the one-year anniversary. If you feel your job may be in jeopardy and you are unable to work at any job for the forseeable future, look into filing for Social Security Disability (it is not quick) or seek alternative employment. Get assistance with budgeting from a trusted professional. Dejunk. Dejunking may lead to sources of revenue and prepare you for an abrupt move if needed.
2. Political Divisiveness Heightens Emotional Isolation
PROBLEM: Grief is inherently isolating, but in today’s polarized climate, that isolation can be painfully exacerbated. Survivors may feel unsupported if their loss becomes politicized, such as in cases of violent crime, mass shootings, or systemic failures in law enforcement. Political debates over victim rights, criminal justice policies, gun rights or mental health funding can make it harder for grieving individuals to find neutral, compassionate spaces for healing. In some cases, expressing grief in a way that doesn’t align with mainstream narratives—whether about violence, justice, or even economic hardship—can lead to judgment rather than comfort, further alienating those in mourning.
SOLUTION: Volunteer with or seek help from agencies and grassroots organizations that understand and align with your concerns. (See post from 12/5/24.) A few might be:
Parents of Murdered Children https://pomc.org/
Compassionate Friends https://www.compassionatefriends.org/,
The Dougy Center https://www.dougy.org/,
National Organization for Victim Assistance https://www.trynova.org/
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence https://actionnetwork.org/groups/csgv,
Everytown for Gun Safety https://www.everytown.org/ or the
National Crime Victim Law Institute https://ncvli.org/.
3. Instability Undermines Trust in Systems Designed to Help
PROBLEM: Grief often leaves people feeling vulnerable, and in times of political and economic instability, trust in government institutions, social services, and even medical systems can erode. For immigrants and minorities, this pressure is even greater, as they often face additional barriers such as language difficulties, fear of deportation, or discrimination in accessing victim services and financial assistance. When resources like victim compensation funds, mental health services, or community support programs are underfunded or politicized, survivors feel abandoned or disillusioned. The very institutions meant to provide support instead become sources of frustration, deepening the sense of helplessness that grief already brings.
SOLUTION: Connect with your district attorney’s office and ask about victim advocate services. It is not enough to know your rights. Have a handy small list of them with you and carry them with you at all times – especially when traveling. Click on this link to order wallet size cards of your rights (available in various languages) and consider handing them out to friends and loved ones: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
If you can afford it, seek out a Victim Rights Attorney, such as Rachel Robinson of Colorado https://www.therayofjustice.com/
The American Civil Liberties Union in New York https://www.aclu.org/ provides important information on immigrant rights. (Be aware, however, the ACLU does not support Marsy’s Law).
Jewish immigrants might consult with the National Immigration Forum, HIAS https://hias.org/
Contact the Civil Rights Division of the Dept of Justice at https://civilrights.justice.gov/
Contact the National Racial Justice Organizations guild – a group that seeks to hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct at https://libguides.law.asu.edu/c.php?g=1047490&p=7601586
We are stronger together.
There is safety in numbers.
Knowledge is power.
