Moving Through Grief and Loss What is Grief? Grief is the response that is triggered by some kind of loss or change. While most of us associate grief with death, it is not uncommon for grief to happen after a major life changing experience such as divorce, retirement, and moves. Even such things as getting married or starting a new school or job can trigger grief. The effects of grief are cumulative-they add up inside of you especially if your have not deal with it well. The Stages of Grief Grief happens in stages, though they might not come in order. Learning about grief can help you through the healing process.

• Shock and Denial: When tragedy strikes or change occurs, our instinctive reaction is to avoid believing that it is happening.

• Anger and Guilt: the pain of loss will often move you to blame (anger) others or yourself (guilt).

• Depression: Change means loss and loss causes sadness. Sadness and depression are a normal part of grieving.

• Resolution: Finally after experiencing many feelings, we accept the loss and move on with our lives..

Check out your feelings • Are you crying all the time? • Are you fearful that something might happen to you? • Are you sometimes very “up” and at other times very ”down”

Take time

• Grieving can take days, months or years. You may need to take some time to just let yourself adjust.

• We all grieve differently, you may need more or less time to grieve than someone else does

• Resume your normal activities when you are able. Let out your feelings

• Cry when you need to. It is normal and essential to healing • Acknowledge when you feel angry • If it is hard for you to express your feelings verbally, try writing them in a journal

or diary. Share your grief

• Participate in support groups or just talk with others who have gone through similar experiences about the impact of the loss on you.

• Don’t isolate. Reach out and accept when others reach out to you. • Consider contacting a counselor.

School Social Work and Attendance Department 754 321-2490

Be Prepared for Sudden Changes of Feelings • Feelings may come up at unexpected times and may seem to come out of

nowhere. • A T.V. ad or a pet jumping on your lap might trigger feelings of sadness. This is a

normal part of grieving. Take Care of Yourself

• Eat right, exercise and get plenty rest. • Realize that physical symptoms such as sleeplessness, nausea, anxiety,

restlessness, and forgetfulness often accompany grief • If physical problems continue for more than a week, see your doctor.

Look for Faith

• Grieving and loss often make us question our faith in life and others. Look for things that might restore your faith

• Try looking at nature, friends, religion or even a smile on a baby’s face to restore your hope and faith. People find faith in different ways.

• Find some one you trust to talk to. If you feel stuck in your grief or believe that you will never be able to get on with the rest of your life, seek professional help. Based on Moving through Loss, by Mardi Richmond, Journeyworks Publishing, 1994 The School Board of Broward County, Florida through the School Social Work and Attendance Department is collaborating with the following agencies to assist you if necessary: Family Counseling Center At New River Middle School: 754-323-23644, Margaret Podesta , M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Hospice –by –the Sea, Boca Raton: 6-week grief support group at Dillard Contact Mr. Joseph Reese, M.S.W. (Dillard School Social Worker) if you are interested Vitas Hospice: 6-week grief support group at Dillard Contact Mr. Joseph Reese, M.S.W. (Dillard School Social Worker) if you are interested Henderson Mental Health Family and Youth Services: 954-731-5100 Nova Southeastern University Psychology Service Center: 954-262-5730 Sun Serve Counseling Center: (For those who are questioning their sexuality) 954-764-5557 211-Broward: Just dial 2-1-1 if you are wish to access additional agencies. School Social Work and Attendance Department 754 321-2490