Grief and Grieving Process PDF

GRIEF AND GRIEVING PROCESS  GRIEF AND GRIEVING PROCESS Grief refers to the subjective emotions and affect that are a normal response to the experience of loss. Grieving, also known as bereavement, refers to the process by which a person experiences the grief.  GRIEF AND GRIEVING PROC...

GRIEF AND GRIEVING PROCESS  GRIEF AND GRIEVING PROCESS Grief refers to the subjective emotions and affect that are a normal response to the experience of loss. Grieving, also known as bereavement, refers to the process by which a person experiences the grief.  GRIEF AND GRIEVING PROCESS Loss: is an actual or potential situation in which something that is valued is changed, no longer available or gone. Types of loss: Actual loss; identified by others and can arise in response to or in anticipation of a situation. Perceived loss; is experienced by one person but cannot be verified by others Anticipatory loss; is experienced before the loss actually occurs.  Sources of loss Loss of an aspect of oneself e.g. a body part Loss of an object external to oneself e.g. loss of money Separation from accustomed environment Loss of a loved or valued person  Losses that may cause Grief Death of a spouse, family member or friend Personal illness or injury Loss of familiar home environment Loss of privacy and independence Loss of pregnancy Loss of income End of a relationship Loss of a career opportunity  Common reactions to grief Physical: Heart palpitation Tightness of throat Sweating Dizziness Shortness of breath Loss of appetite Sleep disturbances Difficulty concentrating Common reactions to grief(cont’d) Emotional: Feelings of guilt Hostility or irritability Anger towards oneself, the deceased, God, or those responsible for the loss Loneliness, emptiness and numbness Withdrawal from others and society Intense sadness Loss of life’s meaning  5 Stages of Grief Described by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression 5. Acceptance DABDA  DENIAL Shock and disbelief regarding the loss. Is this true? Are they gone? Unable to handle reality  ANGER May occur once patient faces reality Questions: Why? How? Now? It’s not fair! Anger may be expressed toward God, the deceased, relatives, friends, or health care providers or oneself.  BARGAINING The “What If” stage, occurs when the person asks God or fate for more time to delay the inevitable loss. Example: If I spend the rest of my life helping the poor, God will let my husband live. Provides temporary escape and hope Allows time to adjust to reality  DEPRESSION Occurs when reality really sinks in Sadness, decreased sleep and decreased appetite are common This is normal after loss Give patient the time they need in this stage Group discussion may help patients express their feelings  ACCEPTANCE Accepting reality and the fact that nothing can change the reality Does Not mean patient is okay with loss Learning to move on Final stage of healing  Factors that affect the intensity and length of grieving The kind of relationship you had with the person who died The circumstances of their death Your own life experiences Ways to help others through the grief process Communicate concern for the grieving person Be available Acknowledge the difficulties with having easy answers to questions concerning loss Be patient and supportive Avoid making judgments about how the person should feel during their grief.