The document discusses grief and bereavement, defining grief as the physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual response to loss. It outlines common grief responses including feelings, physical sensations, cognitions, and behaviors. The document also examines the differences between grief and depression and provides guidance on assessing and treating grief.
4. Defining and Understanding Grief?
Grief can be defined as the physical, emotional, cognitive
and spiritual response to actual or threatened loss of a
person, thing or place to which individuals are emotionally
attached.
"Contrary to what social workers will tell you, when you lose a
loved one, we don't just forget, move on, and find closure. To
truly grief, we must learn to honor, to remember, and to
incorporate our deceased children, parents and siblings into our
lives in a new and different way. In fact, keeping memories of
your loved one alive in your mind and heart is an important part
of your healing journey." ~ John "TC" and Joanne Megahan
RESTORING HOPE.
6. Common Grief Responses
Physical Sensations
Tightness in the chest
Shortness of Breath
Lack of Energy
Panic Attack-like symptoms
7. Common Grief Responses
Cognitions
Disbelief
Confusion
Sense of Presence
Lack of Concentration
8. Common Grief Responses
Behaviors
Sleep disturbances
Appetite disturbances
Social withdrawal
Dreams of the deceased
Absent-minded behavior
9. Common Grief Responses
Additional considerations
Cultural Differences
Religious Differences
Gender Differences
Grief experience and history
10. Differences between Grief and Depression
It is important to understand and recognize the
difference between Grief and Depression.
Depression shares common features with grief.
Misdiagnosis can result in overlooking depression
when it is present and inappropriately treating grief.
11. Assessing between Grief and Depression
Grief Depression
Experienced in waves Moods and feelings are static
Diminishes in intensity Consistent sense of
over time depletion
Healthy self-image Sense of worthlessness and
disturbed self-image
12. Assessing between Grief and Depression
Grief Depression
Anhedonia - Loss of the Anhedonia - Loss of the
capacity to experience capacity to experience
pleasure. The inability to gain pleasure. The inability to gain
pleasure from normally pleasure from normally
pleasurable experiences. pleasurable experiences.
Hopelessness Pervasive hopelessness
Response to support Unresponsive to support
Overt expression of anger Anger not as pronounced
13. Assessing between Grief and Depression
Grief Depression
Guilt is focused on aspect of loss
Guilt is preoccupied with a negative
Not demoralizing or humiliating
Demoralizing and humiliating
Preoccupation with deceased
Preoccupation with self
Suicidal gestures rare in
uncomplicated grief Suicidal gestures are common
Elicits sympathy, concern and desire Elicits irritation, frustration and a
to embrace desire to avoid
14. Grief Assessment
What was the relationship?
Nature of the Attachment
Mode of Death
Historical Antecedents (preceding event, condition, causes, etc.)
Personality Variables
Social Variables
15. Theories on Bereavement
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross: Stages of Grief
William Worden: Four tasks of grieving
Robert Neimeyer: Rebuilding life and search for
meaning
Grief as a journey.
16. Treatment Planning
Establish a relationship with the bereaved
Be comfortable with their expression of grief
Listen, listen, and then listen some more
Normalize grief reactions
Companion them in rebuilding their life
17. Taking Care of Myself
Know your own strengths and limits
Set boundaries, communicate those boundaries.
Nurture yourself – read, watch, and listen positive and
supportive information.
Surround yourself with supportive people.