Grief and Loss

(Complete list of Grief & Loss PDF Files)

Grief and Loss

Overview of the grieving process:

Grief is a natural human response to the loss of a loved one. It can manifest itself in many ways. Grief moves in and out of stages from disbelief and denial, to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss.

It is normal for both the dying person and the survivors to experience grief. For survivors, the grieving process can take many years and many forms. The challenge of accepting death and dying as the end stage of life is what the grieving process is all about.

You may also consider the following when providing for the bereaved:

Be available. Sometimes, grieving persons do not want to talk or listen, nor do they want you to talk or listen. They simply want you to be there for them.

Allow the grieving person the full range of their emotions, including anger and bitterness - which may sometimes be expressed against God.

Be patient and understanding, but not patronizing. Do not claim to know how the other person is feeling. Do not force the person to talk or share feelings if he/she does not want to.

Do not be concerned about mentioning the deceased person's name or sharing a fond memory of the person while in the company of the bereaved. They, too, are thinking about the deceased person, so it is acceptable and natural to bring the name into conversation.

Remember that grieving takes time and is a natural human process. No matter how much you want to "stop the hurt," bereaved persons must endure the grieving process. Allow them and care for them as they move through it.

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The List:

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