Bereavement and coping with loss

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Bereavement or grief is the emotional response to loss, with a;

• complex amalgam of anger
• sadness
• helplessness
• guilt
• yearning and
• despair.

Question 2

Stages

Answer 2

1. Shock or disbelief: hrs to days
2. Grief and yearning: 6 wks +
3. Despair—social withdrawal, sadness, hopelessness:

• ~6 mths
• 2–3 include anger, guilt & self-blame

4. Adaptation and acceptance

• includes: apathy, depression, physical ailments
• 1 or more yrs

Question 3

Role of GP

Answer 3

Provide basic counselling and ongoing support.

Provide patient handouts.

Refer to grief counsellor, religious groups, support groups, e.g. SIDS.

Watch for morbid or pathological grief.

Question 4

Rules

Answer 4

The bereaved may:

feel very guilty

be angry towards you or others

need a clear, gentle explanation about cause and manner of death

need to sense you are genuinely interested

need to work through stages of grief