1. Loneliness

2. Being Lonely  Feeling lonely means NOT feeling like you are a part of a group, large or small.  Feel overlooked altogether and want to feel included  Can get mixed up with rejection- not the same thing!

3. Feeling alone means:  Being alone differs from being lonely because one CHOOSES to be alone.  Spending time alone by choice can be relaxing, or a time for reflecting and thinking about attitudes, goals, life, etc.  Doesn’t necessarily mean you are being rejected.  It’s good to enjoy your own company sometimes!

4. Rejection is  Means that others prefer not to be with you. When you try to join, you are shut out.  Some lonely teens never get rejected because they may not even try to join a group.  Deep & long-lasting. Suffered by those who are different from the average in their health, intelligence, appearance, or behavior.

5. Some reasons for rejection are:  Physical Handicaps- Why?  Super Smart  Learning Disabilities  Ethnic Origins  Religious beliefs  Gender  Geography (where you live)  Family Income  Skill Level  Inappropriate Behaviors  Family Structures

6. Case Examples

7.  Have you ever been affected by any of these?  If so, What?  Did you ever reject other because of these? If so, Why?

8. The Challenges of Loss

9.  Usually the word “death” pops into our head. Although it is the ultimate loss– there are others in our lives that have an impact on us.  Some could be: Death, Failure, Moving, Employment, Divorce, Freedom Loss comes to us all

10.  1) Denial  2) Anger  3) Bargaining  4) Depression  5) Acceptance The 5 Stages of Dealing with Loss are:

11.  Think about an injury you had– did you feel it at first?  The body allows one to get help! It does the following:  Functions as a buffer after unexpected shocking news  Allows victim time to collect himself/herself  Mobilizes other less radical defenses  Serves as a temporary defense and will soon be replaced by partial acceptance Denial

12.  When denial cannot be maintained any longer.  Difficult stage because it’s dispersed in all directions– person could be angry at anything and everything! Anger

13.  Usually only a brief period of time.  Reaction could include:  Striving for an agreement which may postpone the inevitable  Making agreements with others and kept a secret  Making agreements with someone to change the situtaion Bargaining

14.  Usually due to:  Changes or losses experienced  Impending loss or confrontation with death  Necessary and beneficial because the person needs to be able to accept the situation and live in peace. Depression

15.  Comes when someone has had enough time to work through other stages.  Characteristics are:  Being devoid of feelings  Feeling that the struggle is over  Accepting of one’s fate Acceptance

16.  They are HEALTHY & NECESSARY to help with coping after a loss. These 5 stages are known as defense mechanisms.