GRIEF AND LOSS

THE GRIEVING PROCESS

5 stages of grieving process Denial: gives you a chance to think

Anger: normal (anger management)

Bargaining: promise to change

Depression: short term is normal

Acceptance: learn how to live with the loss

Grief – express deep sadness because of loss

FUNERALS, WAKES, AND MEMORIAL SERVICES

Purpose: Help the family get through the grieving process.

Wake – view or watch over deceased person before funeral.

Funeral – ceremony in which deceased person is buried.

Memorial Service – ceremony to remember the deceased.

WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENT THINGS

YOU’VE SEEN AT FUNERALS OR MEMORIALS?

COPING WITH LOSS

Headaches, stomachaches, increased blood pressure, irritability, interrupted sleep,

confusion, inability concentrating, stress related illness.

What are some physical and emotional effects of

stress?

HELP FOR DEALING

WITH LOSS

Helping yourself Get plenty of

rest/relaxation and stick to any normal routine

Share memories Express your feelings Don’t blame yourself Connect with supportive,

understanding people

Helping others Show your support through

simple actions Let the person know you are

there for him/her Tell the person they are

strong and will learn to live with the loss

Listen attentively without judgment

Encourage professional help if needed

SUICIDE AND NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY (NSSI)

A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO A TEMPORARY

PROBLEM.

Definition: the act of intentionally taking one’s life

Why is suicide an uncomfortable topic?

What are some myths or facts about suicide?

Words that warn:

“I wish I were dead.”

“I just want to go to sleep & never wake up.”

“I won’t be a problem for you much longer.”

“I can’t take it anymore.”

“This pain will be over soon.”

“Nothing matters.”

SUICIDE:

FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE

Many people who consider suicide only do so for a brief period in their life

Most people who have attempted and failed are usually grateful to be alive

Suicide could have many warning signs – however, sometimes there are few signs

Use of drugs/alcohol can put people at risk because of impaired judgment

FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE CONT.

3rd leading cause of death for ages 15 – 24

Depression and bipolar disorder are major risk factors.

Stressful life events and low levels of communication with parents are also significant risk factors.

More women attempt suicide and more men complete suicide. In 2010, males aged 15-19 were 4X more likely to complete suicide than females.

KEEP IN MIND!

It should be noted that some people who die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs.

But, about 75 percent of those who die by suicide do exhibit some warning signs, so being aware of these warning signs means we will be more able to assist a loved one in need.

If you do see someone exhibiting warning signs of suicide, you need to do everything you can to help them, which often includes connecting them with professional help.

Suicide.org

WARNING SIGNS FOR

SUICIDE Feeling hopeless

Withdrawing from family and friends; isolating

Neglecting basic needs

Experiencing loss of energy

Taking more risks

Using alcohol and drugs

Giving away personal things

GIVING AND GETTING HELP

Take all talk of suicide seriously

Tell your friend you are concerned about them

Help your friend identify 1-2 adults to talk to (i.e. parent, counselor), and offer to go with them if they’re nervous

Don’t keep concern for a friend’s safety a secret – don’t promise to keep secrets when one’s safety is involved

N.S.S.I.

Characteristic Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Suicide Attempt

Intent/Purpose for Behavior • To temporarily escape from psychological distress.

• To create change in self or environment.

• To permanently terminate consciousness/end of life.

• To escape unbearable psychological pain.

Severity/Lethality of Method Use Low High

Behavior Frequency High, sometimes more than 100 episodes. Often chronic and repetitive.

Low typically 1 to 3 episodes.

Number of Methods Used Multiple methods used across episodes.

Single method used across episodes.

Cognitive State During Self-harm • Distressed yet hopeful. • Difficulty implementing adaptive

problem-solving.

• Hopeless/Helpless.• Inability to problem solve.

Consequences/Aftermath

• Intrapersonally • Sense of relief, calm. • Temporarily reduced distress.

• Frustration, disappointment. • Increased distress.

• Interpersonally • Rejection, criticism from others. • Other express care and concern.

DIFFERENTIATING NSSI AND SUICIDE ATTEMPTS