Loss and GriefSocial Health

Types of Loss? Death

Loved one, friend, pet, classmate, etc.

Divorce Breaking up with

significant other Moving/Selling a

family home Losing a job

Loss of health Loss of a friendship Loss of a cherished

dream Loss of financial

stability Miscarriage

What is grief? How is it different than just being sad? Grief is the natural reaction to an

overwhelming loss, especially the loss of a loved one.

It's most often associated with death, but any loss - a friend moving away or even breaking up with a special someone - can trigger it.

Myths and Facts about Grief

Stages of Grief D = Denial “This can’t be happening to me”

A = Anger “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?

B = Bargaining “Make this not happen, and in return I will…”

D = Depression “I’m too sad to do anything”

A = Acceptance “I’m at peace with what happened”

* Not everyone goes through all of these stages in this exact order*

*You DO NOT have to go through each stage in order to heal*

Healing Process• Each person has

their own cycle and timeline

Coping with Grief and Loss: Tip #1

Find support Turn to friends and family members Join a support group Talk to a therapist or grief counselor If applicable, draw comfort from your faith

Tip #2 Take care of yourself:

Face your feelings Express your feelings in a tangible or

creative way Look after your physical health

Eat right, get enough sleep, exercise

Tip #3 Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel,

and don’t tell yourself how to feel either Your grief is your own, and no one else can tell

you when it’s time to “move on” or “get over it.”

Healthy Ways to Express Emotion?