Chapter 9 Lesson 4

Coping with Loss

Different Kinds of Loss

• Losses can be different and your reactions to loss may vary depending on the value you put on what has been lost

• Death in family

• Loss of pet

• Loss of game

• Loss of boyfriend/girlfriend

The Stages Of Loss

• Stage 1 – Denial – Person cannot believe

loss has occurred

• Stage 2 – Anger – “Why me” stage, person may become critical, demanding or uncooperative

The Stages Of Loss

• Stage 3 – Bargaining – Person may pray or promise to change if lost person or object can be returned

• Stage 4 – Depression – Stage marked by silence and withdrawal. Deep sense of sadness

The Stages Of Loss

• Stage 5 – Acceptance – Person faces reality in constructive ways and make significant and meaningful gestures surrounding the idea of loss

Responding to Loss

• Person suffering loss needs to talk about loss

• May need to relive events by talking about it

• Over time person has sense of CLOSURE – a coming to an end of the most intense parts of the grieving process

Grief Counseling

• Delayed Grief Response – A putting off f the most intense stages of grief

• Talking with counselor who specializes in grief counseling may be helpful