The recent news of the passing of the only son of veteran Nigerian actress Peju Ogunmola has left many deeply saddened. At 59, she not only faces the grief of losing a child but also the unique trauma that comes with the loss of an only child . This tragedy sheds light on an important but often overlooked issue—the impact of such a loss on mental health. The Unique Trauma of Losing an Only Child The loss of any child is devastating, but for parents with only one child, the grief carries additional layers of complexity: Sense of Finality: For many, an only child represents the totality of parenthood. Losing them may feel like losing one’s entire legacy. Complicated Emotions: Parents may struggle with guilt, self-blame, or questioning why they never had another child. Isolation: Unlike those with larger families, parents of an only child may feel more alone in their grief. Fear of the Future: The thought of starting over—especially at an advanced ...