Loss and Grief What are the five stages people go through when they are grieving?

Loss and Grief Loss – the feeling that occurs when someone dies or a life situation changes or ends Grief – Intense emotional suffering caused by a loss, disaster or misfortune Anticipatory grief – grief experienced prior to a loss Out-of-order death – a death of a person that occurs at an unexpected time in his or her life cycle. Invincible – to view oneself as incapable of being harmed Empathy – the ability to share in another person’s emotions or feelings

Causes of Loss and Grief What are some causes of loss and grief? –With a partner write down 5 things that could cause loss and grief… (I will be collecting this)

Causes of Loss and Grief Changes in the family – death, divorce, separation, terminal illness, etc. Changes in living conditions – Fires, eviction, loss of a job that causes a move, etc. Death of a friend / Suicide –Can be very traumatic because it is out of order –May face your own mortality

Causes of Loss and Grief Death of a well-known person –Celebrities, athletes, public figures –Even though you do not know this person personally you may still experience loss or grief Tragedies in the news –Wars –Terror attacks –Natural Disasters End of something special –Graduation –Leaving for college –A relationship ending

5 Stages of Loss and Grief What do you think are the 5 stages of loss and grief? –Think, Pair, Share What are the 5 stages of grief and in what order do they normally occur???

5 Stages of Loss and Grief Denial – Refusing to believe what is happening or happened Anger – Being angry about what is happening Bargaining – Making promises, hoping to change what is happening –“If you bring this person back, I’ll do anything” Depression – Deep sadness for long periods of time when recognizing the outcome is unlikely to change Acceptance – When the outcome is accepted and the person begins to bounce back

Symptoms of Loss and Grief NumbnessShock Loss of appetite Intestinal upsets Sleep disturbances Loss of energy Shortness of breath Confusion Crying spells Moodiness Outbursts of anger Depression

Dealing with a loss Grieving – A process a person goes through when dealing with loss and grief –Not everyone grieves the same way Some cry Some internalize Some turn to unhealthy outlets

Grieving a Loss Talk with your parents, guardian or mentor Ask your friends and family for comfort Have someone stay by your side Express your feelings in healthful ways Maintain a normal schedule and routine Protect your health Seek professional help if you are unable to make adjustments or have lingering depression

Loss and Grief Activity Take out a piece of paper, rip it into 4 pieces Piece 1 – Write your favorite possession Piece 2 – Write your favorite hobby Piece 3 – Write your best physical feature Piece 4 – Write a person important in your life

Loss and Grief Questions 1. What is loss? 2. List four symptoms of loss and grief. 3. Why might tragedies in the news trigger feelings of loss and grief? 4. Why is the use of alcohol and drugs not a good way to deal with loss? 5. Why does our response to loss and grief differ?