1. Coping with Grief and Loss
Lou Ann Hamilton,MSW, LCSW, Counselor
Office of the Dean of Students
Schleman Hall
Purdue University

2. Introduction Understanding Loss, Grief, and Bereavement,
Different Types of Loss
What to Expect when Grieving
Normal feelings and how long grief lasts
coping skills and when/where to get help and how to help others

3. Different Types of Loss
Death of Parent, Grandparent, Sibling, Partner, Child
Death of Close Friend
Death of Roommate, Classmate, Colleague
Loss/Breakup of Relationship
Loss of Friendship
Serious Illness in Self or Other

4. What to Expect When you are Grieving
Emotional symptoms
Shock, Anger, Denial, Bargaining, Acceptance, Depression
Physical Symptoms
sleeplessness; sadness; decreased appetite; tearfulness; fatigue; upset stomach; anxiety; dreams/nightmares; lack of concentration

5. Are these feelings normal, and how long do they last?
All of these symptoms are normal, although not every person will have every symptom.
The bereavement period varies from person to person according to each situation and your unique relationship to that person.
Grief may be brief, or last many years, but generally is at least one year.

6. Coping Skills to Help yourself and Others
Counseling
Support Groups
Talking/Listening
Understanding Grief
Letting others Help
Taking care of Self Physically (rest well, eat and limit alcohol use)
Acknowledge Pain, Allow Tears

7. When to Get Help you feel you can’t handle this alone
you are losing weight
your grades, work, and/or social life are suffering
you have repeated thoughts of death or dying.
You feel the need to talk and you think your friends are tired of listening

8. Where to Get Help Friends/Family
Counseling through The Office of the Dean of Students
Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Guidance Center
Spiritual Leader, Priest, Minister

9. Specific Ways to Help Others Cope with Loss
Ask if they want to talk about their loss. (only if you are willing to listen)
Just sit with them, you don’t have to say anything to comfort others
Allow them to cry and be sad
Don’t minimize their feelings
Show you care by words AND actions
Help with practical needs