Grief Flashcards
grief
Grief can be defined as the feelings or reactions an individual has to a loss
in one’s life. The loss that an individual endures is not necessarily related
to a death, as grief can be experienced from any loss or personal
experiences.
common grief reactions
- Shock
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Numbness
- Denial
- Guilt
- Sadness -> sometimes relief as well
- Relief (if death is expected)
- Depression
normal grief
Normal: Also known as uncomplicated grief, is caused by the loss of
someone very close, through death or the ending of a relationship
anticipatory grief
Grief that is experienced before the expected loss of someone or something
- would be like preparing for a loved one to die following a terminal diagnosis
prolonged grief disorder (PGD)
Previously known as complicated grief;
lasts >6 months and can be so significant, it affects the client’s ability to
function
disenfranchised
Grief related to a relationship that does not coincide with what is considered by society to be a recognized or justified loss
things like after a miscarriage or death of a pet
the grieving process
- Although grief is a normal response to loss, every person has their own unique and personal way of moving through the grieving
process. - One’s culture often provides the guidelines for how people express their grief experience, and in turn, serves as the foundation for their
actions
Kubler-Ross five stages of grief
- Denial: Client refuses to believe the truth and this helps to lessen the pain of the loss
- Anger: Client is trying to adjust to the loss and is feeling severe emotional distress, often asking “why me?” and suggesting “it’s not fair”
- Bargaining: Usually involves bargaining with a higher power by making a promise to do something in exchange for a different, better outcome
- Depression: Reality sets in, and the loss of the loved one or thing is deeply felt
- Acceptance: Client still feels the pain of the loss but realizes they will be all right
the dual process model of grief
- Suggests that the process of grieving oscillates (shifts back and forth) between two types of stressors: loss-oriented and restoration grief.
- During loss-oriented stressors, grief is conveyed through intense thoughts and feelings.
- The restoration grief process involves coping with other losses that come with the death of a loved one (secondary losses) and rebuilding one’s life without the loved one.
Worden’s four tasks of mourning
- Accept the reality of the loss
- Experience the pain of grief
- Adjust to an environment without the deceased
- Create an enduring connection to the deceased loved one, while embarking on a new life
loss oriented grief
confronting the loss itself
restoration grief
finding ways to live without the deceased there
age in grief
A person’s age can influence their experience and expression of grief.
* For instance, children may not fully
understand the concept of death, while older adults may have additional losses that compound their grief
what can the ways in which someone grieves be influenced by
their beliefs and experiences
how do religious and spiritual beliefs fit into grief
Religion and spirituality often play
a crucial role in how individuals
cope with grief and death.
* Rituals and beliefs provide
comfort, structure, and meaning
during difficult times.
what is noticing someone’s beliefs about
making the environment welcoming, asking open ended questions
the NURSE technique
- Name: Identify what the client just stated, or the emotion expressed by the client.
- Understand: Demonstrate understanding by recognizing the client’s feelings and providing an opportunity for the client to discuss their feelings.
- Respect: Voice your respect for the client under these circumstances.
- Support: Inform the client that you are available to him or her.
- Explore: Ask open-ended questions to extend the conversation and provide a more detailed expression of the client’s feelings and beliefs.
nurse reactions to grief
- Nurses may experience grief after a client’s death.
- Reactions differ among nurses in expressing grief and is affected by the clinical circumstances of the client’s death as well as personal factors specific to the nurse.
- Because reactions differ, each nurse needs to be aware of and manage their grief.
in the end grief is what for each person
In summary, grief is a complex and individualized experience influenced by many factors, including the type of loss, cultural background, age, and spiritual beliefs.
what does supporting others grief start with
Remember that supporting others in grief starts with understanding your responses to loss and developing healthy coping strategies.
as a nurse what does helping with grief mean
- As future nurses, your understanding and empathy in these situations can make a profound impact on patients and their families.
