Types of Loss
The death of a loved one, the most commonly recognized type of loss
What is bereavement?
The first stage of grief, often characterized by shock and disbelief
What is denial?
Feeling sad or empty most of the day, nearly every day
What is persistent sadness or depressed mood?
This activity involves expressing feelings and thoughts on paper
What is journaling?
Creating these can help honor and remember a deceased loved one
What are memorials or rituals?
These people understand your loss because they have experienced something similar
Who are support group members or peers?
Loss of a job, relationship, or major life role represents this type of loss
What is situational or circumstantial loss?
This stage involves trying to make deals to reverse or change the loss
What is bargaining?
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
What is anhedonia?
These breathing exercises can help manage overwhelming grief emotions
What are deep breathing or mindfulness techniques?
Learning to live with loss while still honoring the memory of what was lost
What is integration or continuing bonds?
This type of professional specializes in helping people process grief and loss
Who is a grief counselor or therapist?
Loss of hopes, dreams, or expectations for the future
What is anticipatory grief or ambiguous loss?
This stage involves intense sadness and despair about the reality of the loss
What is depression or sadness?
Eating too much or too little are examples of these changes during depression
What are appetite disturbances?
This coping strategy involves accepting help from others during difficult times
What is reaching out or asking for support?
Finding new meaning and purpose after experiencing significant loss
What is post-traumatic growth?
Being around others who care, even when not talking about the loss
What is social support or companionship?
Loss experienced when someone is still alive but fundamentally changed, like with dementia
What is living loss or ambiguous loss?
This stage involves feeling furious about the unfairness of the loss
What is anger?
These negative thoughts about yourself often occur during grief and depression
What are feelings of guilt or worthlessness?
This technique involves honoring painful feelings without being overwhelmed by them
What is mindful acceptance or sitting with emotions?
The ability to find meaning in suffering and grow stronger through adversity
What is resilience?
When grief becomes so intense it prevents normal daily functioning
What is delayed grief or complicated grief?
Loss of identity, culture, or homeland experienced by immigrants or refugees
What is cultural loss or displacement grief?
The final stage where one learns to live with the loss and move forward
What is acceptance?
When depression becomes so severe it includes false beliefs or hearing voices
What is major depression with psychotic features?
This approach involves gradually facing avoided places, people, or activities related to the loss
What is exposure therapy or behavioral activation?
This therapeutic model focuses on reconstructing meaning and continuing the relationship with the deceased
What is continuing bonds theory or meaning reconstruction?
When mourning lasts longer than expected and disrupts your ability to function
What is prolonged grief disorder or complicated grief?