LOSS, GRIEF, AND BEREAVEMENT

TYPES

• Anticipatory grief. This form of grief takes place when someone is already expecting a loss. This cannot only be felt by the loved ones of the dying patient, but also the patient himself. This type of grief may increase emotional distress and anxiety.
• Normal or common grief. This form of grief is categorized when an acceptance of loss gradually occurs. Moreover, although it may be difficult to carry on with daily activities, a person undergoing normal grief may make attempts in working on their tasks. However, this type may still include some common emotional reactions, such as denial, disbelief, shock, and numbness.

SYMPTOMS

The most common signs are accompanied by:

• Crying
• Sadness
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains

TREATMENT

The most common treatment for someone who has experienced a serious grief reaction is grief therapy. Grief therapy’s main goal is to aid the patients in solving their problems and identifying their concerns.

Grief therapy includes:

• Advising the bereaved in accepting their losses by encouraging them to speak about them;
• Actively helping the bereaved in emotionally separating from the deceased and setting up new relationships;
• Continuously providing help and support; and
• Advising the bereaved in understanding their coping mechanisms.

Through grief therapy, you may be able to improve your ability to cope with unpleasant grief-related adjustments and find successful coping mechanisms for painful transitions. Furthermore, if you suffer from loss, grief, or bereavement, consult a mental health expert in order to manage your symptoms.