TRUE OR FALSE
The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.
False: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For real healing to occur it is necessary to face your grief and begin actively dealing with it.
Why is self-care important when we are grieving?
Because grief is some of the hardest work we will ever do. It is physically and emotionally exhausting.
True or False: Journaling is a healthy way to cope. Why or why not.
True: It can help organize your thoughts, help express feelings that may be difficult to say out loud...
*** 100 extra points if you have journaled in last two weeks***
What is grief?
Grief is whatever you think and feel inside about your loss.
True or False: The bargaining stage of grief can include thinking about what could have been done to turn the situation around.
True: In this stage we typically think about bargaining with a higher power, but also includes these type thoughts.
You will go through all 5 stages of grief.
False: You may go through all, some or none of the stages...so don't feel like you "should" be in a particular stage.
How can you express your feelings when you are grieving?
Writing in a journal, writing letter to your loved one, talking to family member, writing poetry, photography,
***100 bonus points for each team if anyone has done one of these things during last two weeks***
Name two unhealthy ways to cope with loss.
Taking anger out on others, isolating self, keeping feelings bottled up, avoiding exercise or getting outdoors
Name some common emotions people after the death of a loved one.
***100 bonus points if you can name at least ten.***
In the 5 stages of grief, what is the final stage, and What does it mean?
Acceptance: This means that we have accepted the reality of the loss and the fact that it can't be changed.
Crying is a healthy coping skill.
True: The activity of crying and expressing our sadness can help us heal. Crying is nature's way of releasing internal tension in the body.
True or False: We should make time for things we enjoy.
Can this be difficult...why or why not?
It's important to do things we enjoy to boost our spirits. We may feel guilty a loved one is missing out, or that we shouldn't do such things as others may judge us. Let these thoughts go, it's okay and normal to enjoy life even while you are grieving.
***100 bonus points if you participated in enjoyable activity during the last two weeks***
True or False: You don't have to grieve and mourn all of the time.
True: True. We must "dose" ourselves with the pain. Feel and express our grief for a bit, then take a break.
What are some ways grief can affect us physically?
BP, appetite, digestion, poor concentration, headache, heart rate, aches and pains, insomnia, weight loss or gain
Is it beneficial to set short term goals? Why or why not?
It can be easy to fall into the habit of islation and withdrawal when we are grieving. Setting small goals can help us focus, feel less overwhelmed, and help us celebrate small accomplishments.
The goal is to get over your grief.
False:We will not get over grief and return to the normal life we had before. Life will be different. The mourning process is about learning to live without this person. The sense of loss will not disappear, just soften over time.
Can you list 3 things that you are doing to care for yourself?
Points if able to list 3.
Name 3 healthy coping skills.
Deep breathing, talking with trusted friend, exercise, hobby
What is self-talk? And does it impact our grief?
Self-talk is our internal dialogue- the words we use when we talk to ourselves. This self-talk can reflect our emotional state. It can influence our self-esteem, outlook, energy level, relationships, health, determining how we handle stress.
***100 bonus points for example of negative self-talk, then flipping it to positive self-talk***
True or False: Giving back to others can aid in the grieving process. Why or why not?
Can provide structure to day, provide purpose, help to honor our loved one, provide opportunity to meet others
Just talking out loud about your loss can help you.
Why or why not?
True
List the 5 domains of self-care that we have talked about in group.
Physical, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social, Emotional
Is a support system necessary to move forward in the grieving process? Why or why not?
****100 bonus points if each team member can identify their support system****
True or False: It is comforting to know that grief symptoms happen to everyone.
True
List some symptoms of grief that we have not yet discussed.
Dont want to go anywhere
Angry or irritable. Nothing interests me. Upset the world is going on without me. Hear a song that makes me cry. Feel like I am losing my mind. Do not want to get out of bed in the morning.
What are some ways to honor your loved one?
Flowers at cemetery, volunteer somewhere that was important to your loved one, memorial service, give clothes to charity, plant a tree, establish a fund in their honor.