Definitions:
Anticipatory Grief – a preparation for a future loss. It is a normal adaptive reaction to an impending loss. It is a rehearsal of what to expect after an impending loss. It is the mourning of a loss which has not occurred.
Grief – The process of psychological, social and somatic reactions to the perception of loss.
This implies that grief is:
a. Manifested in each of the psychological, social and somatic realm.
b. A continuing development involving many changes.
c. A natural, expectable reaction
d. The reaction to the experience of many kinds of losses, not necessarily death alone.
Mourning – The cultural response to a loss. The process by which we work through the loss, regaining a sense of balance and reintegration with life. Mourning is a necessity, not a weakness. It is a form of healing.
Bereavement – The state of having suffered a loss. Means “to be robbed”.
Disenfranchised Grief – the result of a loss which cannot be openly acknowledged, socially validated or publicly mourned.
The relationship is not socially recognized – partners in a gay relationship, extramarital affairs, ex-spouses, past lovers, death of a friend.
b. The loss is not socially recognized or is hidden from others- miscarriages, stillbirths, abortions, children placed for adoption, surrogate motherhood, death of a pet, losses from causes other than death, suicides.
c. The griever is not socially recognized – the person Is socially defined as incapable of grief. The mentally disabled, children, the very old, co-workers.
Complicated Grief – interrupted grief, an absence of grief or an inhibition of grief.
Factors which might interfere with grief resolution:
1. Avoidance of Grief
a.Mummification (the deceased’s room is left unchanged long after the death)
b.Idealization of the deceased
c.Holding onto anger or guilt rather than saying good-bye and forgiving oneself and others.
2. Chronic Grief (Prolonged)
a.Although the loss occurred years ago, the individual cannot speak of it without
intense overwhelming pain.
b.Years after the loss, unrelated events still trigger intense grief.
3. Delayed Grief
a.A current loss or other significant event elicits exaggerated response, indicating
unresolved loss from the past also exists.
4. Inhibited Grief
a. Neglect of Health
b. Drug or alcohol abuse
c. Acting out
d. Persistent psychosomatic complaints – chronic pain
e. Developing physical symptoms of the deceased.
[divider /] [two]Normal Emotional Grief ReactionsShock
Loneliness
Numbness
Anger
Denial
Apathy
Anguish
Sadness
Sorrow
Guilt
Depression
Despair
Frustration
Helplessness
Powerlessness
Bitterness
Irritability
Impatient
[/two] [two_last]Normal Physical Grief ReactionsExhaustion
Headaches
Nausea
Loss of interest in sex
Dry Mouth
Digestive problems
Breathlessness
Tightness in chest
Heart Palpitations
Hollowness in stomach
Oversensitive to noise
Sleep and appetite disturbances
[/two_last] [divider /] [toggle title=”A Guide for Leaders: Dealing with a seriously ill soldier”]Respect sick soldier’s privacy
Support sick soldier but not at expense of unit morale or productivity
Encourage private unit discussion
Keep workplace functioning
Keep sick soldier included
Call or visit periodically yourself
Encourage unit to stay in touch
Designate one person as unit liaison[/toggle] [two]If a Solider Dies
Give unit the opportunity to grieve
Educate yourself on grief process and reactions
Anticipate loss of productivity, motivation and increased mistakes
Pay attention to reactions to replacement
Organize a memorial for deceased
[/two] [two_last]When a Soldier Suffers a LossSet an example – provide personal support
Recognize grief reactions and length of grieving process
If possible, alter work demands
Talk to soldier to assess needs
Refer to chaplain, MH assets or other agency for grief support
[/two_last]