Stages of Grief Objectives 1.Name situations that might cause a person to experience the 5 stages of grief. 2.Identify characteristics of each of the stages. 3.List 2 factors that can influence a person’s grief reaction. 4.Create a journal/diary as if you’re going through the 5 stages.

Stages of Grief Chapter 9 Lesson 4 Page 229

Situations Death Terminal illness Divorce Breaking up with girl/boyfriend Moving Natural disaster Miscarriage / Abortion Job loss / $ Problems Other?

5 Stages Denial (Defense Mechanism) –A person’s initial reaction to any loss –Refusing to accept reality Anger –“Why me?” “It’s not fair.” –Critical, demanding, uncooperative, defensive

5 Stages Bargaining –Pray or promise to change if the lost person/object can be returned, even for a while This can be internal or said out loud Depression –Silence, withdrawal –Not doing things they normally do

5 Stages Acceptance (always last) –Facing reality in constructive ways –Looking on the + side –Making the best of the situation

Important Info Stages may not occur in this order Skip a stage or jump back & forth Stay in 1 stage for a long time Goal: Reach acceptance

Factors Influencing a Person’s Grief Reaction Past experiences with a loss –Have you dealt with death before? Age –Perceptions of death Upbringing –Is it an open subject for the family? Religion Situation (Tragedy, unexpected…) Mental health status (Stress level, self-esteem) Relationship (Close, only met once)

What might a person SAY DO THINK if they were going through each stage?

Grief Examples

Moving Example Denial – “No way Mom! You’ve said this before and there is no way we are going to move.” Anger – Slamming the door in sisters face after Dad told you to start packing. Bargaining – “Mom and Dad, if I bring my grades up can we please stay in Huntley?” Depression – Not wanting to see friends since you’re moving away and won’t see them anymore. Acceptance – + Thinking & + Self-Talk: “It will be okay. Tons of kids move all the time. I will make more friends.”

Terminal Illness Example Denial –“No! Not Me!” “It can’t be true!” –Seek other doctor’s opinions –Believe a cure will be found –May believe they’re the exception to the rule Anger –“Why Me!” –It’s not fair “Why didn’t this happen to someone else? I’m a better person than… –Angry at doctors, family, friends, higher power

Terminal Illness example Bargaining –“If I’m good I may have more time.” Promises to a higher power in exchange for life –I’ll go to church every week –Attempting to postpone death Depression –Isolation, unmotivated Acceptance –Slowly detaches from relationships –Takes care of personal matters Wills, funeral arrangements, saying bye to special people

Now You Try!!! Each group will get one answer sheet to log their ideas on how a person might feel, act or even what they might say during each stage.

You ‘re diagnosed with a terminal illness Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –

Miscarriage Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –

Parents Divorce Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –

Breakup Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –

Death of A Loved One Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –

Parent in military is being sent overseas Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –

Job Loss Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –

A loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness Denial – – Anger – – Bargaining – – Depression – – Acceptance – –