1. WHAT IS GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT? Grief, mourning and bereavement part of the human response to death. Grief is a natural response to any type of loss and a source of stress for anyone
experiencing a loss. People need both physical and emotional energy to cope with the changes brought on by loss. In our society, grief is almost always seen in terms of “work” or “tasks” that must be accomplished in order to cope with the new situation created by loss. Although there are some common physical, emotional and behavioural signs of grief, each individual grieves each loss uniquely. Anticipatory Grief is the grief someone experiences in anticipation of death. The dying person and family may experience this anticipated loss of life as well as all
Physical, Emotional and Behavioural Signs of Grief • Tightness in the throat • Disturbed sleep patterns • Loss of energy • Changes in appetite • Palpitations and/or chest pain • Loss of sexual desire • Numbness • Sadness • Anger
the opportunities that are lost when death will occur. During this period of anticipatory grief, the person and family will often deal with unfinished business and/or begin to mourn. Mourning is a process that helps individuals cope with grief. It involves rituals – such as burial rites and memorial services -- that reflect cultural and social norms and practices. During this mourning period, a grieving person undertakes the “tasks of grief”. Tasks of Grief generally include: • acceptance of the reality of the loss • Fear • Guilt • Disorientation • Crying and sighing • Restlessness • Wanting to die • Abusing alcohol or drugs
• the experience of emotional pain and suffering • adjustment to living without the loved one • letting go.
When someone moves on with their life, builds new relationships and settles into new patterns of living, it is generally accepted that they have completed these four tasks.
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