Mental Health Unit2-7

Where did you learn your ideas about death?› Family› Religion› Superstition› Experiences› Attitude› Media› Science

Peers influence what you do. Character Little things come between you and the

ones you love. Personality Let fear of failure control your

decisions. Defense Mechanisms/Stress/Self Actualization

Miniscule things get in the way of what really matters in life. Stress

Grief is the response to loss. Many times joined with fear and regret.

Grief is easier to deal with when we Grief is easier to deal with when we understand itunderstand it

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross was a Swiss-American psychiatrist who noticed that people grieved in different stages

They did not always follow the stages in order or go through all of them.

There are 8 stages

DenialEmotional ReleaseAngerBargainingDepressionRemorseAcceptanceHope

It may be difficult to believe the loss has occurred. We often refuse to believe it.

Denial

The loss is recognized. This stage often involves periods of crying

The person uses anger because he or she feels powerless and like it’s unfair.

Anger

As the reality of the loss sets in the person may promise to change if what was lost can be returned

Beyond the feelings of sadness, feelings of isolation, alienation, and hopelessness may occur.

Depression

The person may become preoccupied with thoughts about how the loss could have been prevented.

The person faces the reality of the loss, and experiences closure or acceptance of the loss.

Acceptance

Remembering become less painful and the person begins to look ahead to the future.

Coping is dealing successfully with difficult changes in your life.

These stages are natural and normal to go through.

“Tonight I accidentally set an extra plate at the table for my loved one, and when I came home from school I expected them to be there when I walked in.”

Denial

“I can accept that my loved one in gone, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop crying. I don’t know how I’ll be able to get through this.”

Emotional Release

“ I can’t believe they left me here. What am I supposed to do without them here! I am so angry! I just want to yell and scream at whoever tries to help me.”

Anger

“Please bring back my loved one! I will do anything! Please take me instead.”

Bargaining

“If only I had been there to help. If only I had called before and told them I loved them one last time. “

Remorse

“I think everything will be ok. I will miss them and it still hurts to remember some things, but I will live a good life and enjoy the time I have.”

Acceptance

“ I am so sad. I have no motivation to get up and do anything. I used to love being with my friends and I worked hard in school, but I just don’t seem to care anymore.”

Depression

“ I know I can still live a good life and enjoy it. I have goals and dreams and I am excited for what my future has in store for me.”

Hope

Come up with your own way to remember 5 or more of the stages in the grieving process.

Example GDAE

› Good Dogs Always Eat Never Eat Soggy Waffles

› North East South West