Grief is something that touches everyone. There’s no escaping experiencing the pain of losing someone you love. It’s one of those human experiences that transcends race, gender and socioeconomic status. If you’re a human being on this planet, grief is inevitable and while everyone processes grief differently, there are some similarities.
Kevin Fredricks has been very candid on social media about the unexpected loss of his older brother, Jason Fredricks, last year. Recently, the comedian shared a relatable yet humorous video sharing what his intrusive thoughts have been like this past year while grieving. It takes talent to make such a serious topic funny.
When the video starts out, Fredricks is laying in the bed watching television when out of nowhere you hear an intrusive thought, “Aye, remember that time your brother died? That is wild that it happened. Why’d he die like that, he wasn’t even doing nothing and he died? That is so crazy. Oh, don’t go to sleep I’ll remind you in your dreams.”
The intrusive thoughts seem to come when he’s either content or enjoying life. They’re a stark contrast to what is being portrayed on the screen, yet the realness of the thoughts resonates with a lot of people. Commenters shared their own experiences with intrusive thoughts related to grief.
“I be laughing and it just come out of nowhere like why you happy,” someone shares.
“‘Your mother is never going to meet your kids. She would’ve been the best grandma.’ Sends me sobbing every time. Intrusive thoughts are so real,” another person writes.
“Me in Lowes a couple days ago… crying looking at drill bits bc my dad had the nerve to die,” one woman says.
“This has to be one of the most relatable videos about grief! I do this daily thinking about my dad,” a commenter writes.
“I really appreciate how chill and casual this grief voice is. Of course sometimes it’s different, but most of the time it’s exactly like this. My father died 8 months ago. Thanks for the laugh,” someone shares.
Grief shows up in all sorts of ways, but unexpected intrusive thoughts seem to be one way many in the comments experience extended grief. Fredricks doesn’t offer a solution to how to fix the thoughts, his video simply allows space for others experiencing grief to share it with someone else and sometimes that’s the best option.
