Jennifer Baker-Jones MA LP THE CENTER IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO OFFERING HOPE FOR THE DIFFICULT TIMES IN OUR LIVES.
Deepen understanding of work we do with victims by learning about: 1.Common grief and trauma reactions, 2. How our own personal loss history impacts us, 3.and tips for how to respond to victims experiencing grief and loss. GOAL OF PRESENTATION
Define Grief, Personal Loss History, and Common Grief Reactions. Identify Complicated Grief Reactions Identify Trauma Reactions What you can do Self-Care OVERVIEW
An ongoing, personal process of acknowledging the life changing impact of loss. It affects the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions of our self. Cumulative, Disorganized, Fearful, Non- linear, Unique GRIEF
OBVIOUS LOSSES: Death of Spouse, Grandparent, Child, Friend, Parent, Pet etc. Relationship loss, Loss of job “Hidden” LOSSES : Fertility, health, self-esteem, trust, safety, community, sense of sexuality, loss of connection with loved ones, self- expression Times of transition can often be even more hidden and hard to find support for. PERSONAL LOSS HISTORY
PetDreamsCommunity SafetyDependenceFreedom Self ExpressionIncomeRole(s) Friendship JobYouth TrustVocationSelf-Esteem Mother/Father HomeChildhood FamilyFertilityFriends RelationshipsSexual FunctionGrandparent(s) SiblingsMarriage Co-worker HealthPartnerGrandchild(ren) InfantIndependence Fertility Career Self Worth Security Mobility Faith Sexuality PERSONAL LOSSES THAT IMPACT US
Behavioral: feeling detached, changes in interests, changes in relationships, changes in productivity, loneliness, short fuse Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, preoccupation with loss, distracted, lowered self-esteem, confusion Emotional: changes in mood, panic, fear, sadness, anger, shock, guilt Physical: changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, stomach aches, headaches, fatigue, increased sickness Spiritual: change in belief system and values, sense of hopelessness, questioning faith/religion, disconnected from self COMMON GRIEF REACTIONS
Culturally Based Cumulative Depriving Disorganized Life changing Overwhelming Painful Stressful Personally Unique THE PROCESS OF GRIEF IS..
Grief Loop Loss Integration Shock Confusion Denial Anger at Self Lowered Self- Esteem Agony Grief Anguish Depression Apathy Indifference Loss of Interest Desire to Withdraw & “Give-up” Protest Despair Detachment Crying Pain Weakness Nausea Loss of Appetite Sleep Disturbances Other Physical Change Continuing Physical Symptoms Slowed Thinking & Actions “Urge to Recover” What Was Lost Decreased Socialization No New Friendships “Bland” Expression Absent Spontaneity Adapted from Lammers
Past Experience With Loss - Family of origin responses to death and grief - Losses in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood - Relationship With Loved One Nature of the relationship Circumstances Surrounding The Death Present Influences - Social support - Belief system - Resilience, personality FACTORS AFFECTING LOSS
Depression Intense bereavement lasting more than 2 months Destructive Behavior Substance Abuse Eating Disorder Recurring Flashbacks Risk taking behavior Withdrawn Suicidal Thoughts Homicidal Thoughts COMPLICATED GRIEF REACTIONS