1. Mental and Emotional Health
Chapter 5
Mental and Emotional Health
Lesson 4
Coping with Loss

2. Coping with Loss Building Vocabulary grief
LESSON 4
Coping with Loss
BIG IDEA
There is no right or wrong way to grieve over a loss.
Building Vocabulary
grief
The sorrow caused by loss of a loved one
The process of dealing with strong feelings following any loss
grief reaction
Ways of dealing with the sense of loss people feel when someone close to them dies
coping strategies
Lesson Home

3. Coping with Loss Understanding Grief
LESSON 4
Coping with Loss
BIG IDEA
There is no right or wrong way to grieve over a loss.
Understanding Grief
People may grieve over the death of a relative, a friend, or even a family pet.
Grief can cause feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anger.
How people experience grief, and how long it lasts, differs from person to person.
New Vocabulary
grief The sorrow caused by loss of a loved one.
Lesson Home

4. Coping with Loss The Grief Reaction Denial Anger Bargaining Depression
LESSON 4
Coping with Loss
BIG IDEA
There is no right or wrong way to grieve over a loss.
The Grief Reaction
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Denial. Immediately after a loss, people may be unable to believe that the loss has really happened.
Anger. Some people feel angry with their loved one for leaving them, or may blame other family members or themselves.
Bargaining. People think about what they could have done to prevent the loss. They may feel guilty for being alive.
Depression. People may cry often. They may have feelings of hopelessness or physical symptoms.
Acceptance. People gradually regain some of their energy and find it easier to go about their daily lives.
Acceptance
New Vocabulary
grief reaction The process of dealing with strong feelings following any loss
Lesson Home

5. The Grief Reaction - Defined
Denial. Immediately after a loss, people may be unable to believe that the loss has really happened.
Anger. Some people feel angry with their loved one for leaving them, or may blame other family members or themselves.
Bargaining. People think about what they could have done to prevent the loss. They may feel guilty for being alive.
Depression. People may cry often. They may have feelings of hopelessness or physical symptoms.
Acceptance. People gradually regain some of their energy and find it easier to go about their daily lives.

6. Coping with Loss Coping with Grief Give yourself time.
LESSON 4
Coping with Loss
BIG IDEA
There is no right or wrong way to grieve over a loss.
Coping with Grief
Give yourself time.
Accept all your thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative.
Don’t be afraid to cry.
Remember to take care of yourself.
Get back into your normal routine as soon as you can.
Talk about your feelings.
Accept help from others.
Give yourself time. Grieving is a long, slow process, and it can’t be rushed. Don’t try to make any major decisions in your life while you are still grieving.
Accept all your thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative.
Don’t be afraid to cry. Shedding tears serves as a useful release for strong emotions.
Remember to take care of yourself. Take the time to eat right and get enough sleep and physical activity.
Get back into your normal routine as soon as you can. Keeping up with your usual daily tasks can keep you from feeling too overwhelmed.
Talk about your feelings. You can write in a journal, talk to a trusted friend, or join a support group. If you are having trouble coping, seeing a counselor may help.
Accept help from others. Friends and family often want to know what they can do for someone who is grieving. Don’t hesitate to let them know what you need.
New Vocabulary
coping strategies Ways of dealing with the sense of loss people feel when someone close to them dies
Lesson Home

7. Coping with Loss Helping Others
LESSON 4
Coping with Loss
BIG IDEA
There is no right or wrong way to grieve over a loss.
Helping Others
Show empathy by acknowledging the pain the person is experiencing.
Try to avoid sharing stories of your own as a way to show that you understand. The grieving person may feel as if you are dismissing his or her pain.
Try to listen without judging or giving advice.
Allow the person to decide how much time he or she needs to recover from the loss.
Lesson Home