Prolonged grief disorder

New Aussie black comedy Totally Completely Fine explores suicide, grief, isolation – and the power of human connection

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Decked out with grandpa-chic mid-century décor that suits Vivian’s vintage rocker aesthetic, the art deco home backs onto a stunning cliffside vista looking out over the ocean.

Key Points: 
  • Decked out with grandpa-chic mid-century décor that suits Vivian’s vintage rocker aesthetic, the art deco home backs onto a stunning cliffside vista looking out over the ocean.
  • This six-part black comedy explores suicide, grief, isolation and the power of human connection.

Complicated grief

    • Through the character of Vivian, Totally Completely Fine looks at something called complicated grief, also known as Prolonged Grief Disorder.
    • Complicated grief occurs when the effects of grief remain pervasive and overpowering, interrupting the lives of bereaved people.
    • Read more:
      What Prince Harry's memoir Spare tells us about 'complicated grief' and the long-term impact of losing a mother so young

Human connection

    • Charming paperboy Louis (Max Crean) has more going on than his chipper demeanour lets on.
    • But John’s boyfriend, the handsome and emotionally intelligent Alejandro (Édgar Vittorino), models the compassion these characters need.
    • Where the relationships between Viv, John and Hendrix are weighed down by the baggage of their past, Alejandro shows the value of actively reaching out, listening – really listening – to people, and affirming their value as individual human beings.

The taboo of psychological struggles

    • “Lots of people think that the line between them and what happens out there [on the cliff] is a thick one,” she says.
    • It is common for people not to tell anyone about suicidal thoughts, and it remains a taboo in contemporary society.
    • This can compound effects of psychological distress by increasing feelings of shame and isolation.
    • Totally Completely Fine opens up this discussion in a human, heartfelt way without ever being cheesy or didactic.

Children's Hospital New Orleans Welcomes Dr. Julie Kaplow to Launch the Hospital's First Trauma and Grief Center, Expanding Specialized Mental and Behavioral Health Services for Children and Adolescents Across Louisiana.

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 14, 2021

Dr. Kaplow will oversee all activities of the TAG Center, including evidence-based assessment and treatment of traumatized and grieving children and adolescents.

Key Points: 
  • Dr. Kaplow will oversee all activities of the TAG Center, including evidence-based assessment and treatment of traumatized and grieving children and adolescents.
  • I am excited to see how the TAG Center will start making a difference in our community right away."
  • She has been published widely on the topics of childhood trauma and grief with over 75 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.
  • "The launch of our TAG center under Dr. Kaplow's leadership will bring this specialized care and support to children in need."