coping with grief and loss lou ann hamilton,msw, lcsw, counselor office of the dean of students...
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Coping with Grief and Loss
Lou Ann Hamilton,MSW, LCSW, Counselor
Office of the Dean of Students
Schleman Hall
Purdue University
Introduction• Understanding Loss, Grief, and
Bereavement,
• Different Types of Loss
• What to Expect when Grieving
• Normal feelings and how long grief lasts
• coping skills and when/where to get help and how to help others
Different Types of Loss• Death of Parent, Grandparent, Sibling,
Partner, Child
• Death of Close Friend
• Death of Roommate, Classmate, Colleague
• Loss/Breakup of Relationship
• Loss of Friendship
• Serious Illness in Self or Other
What to Expect When you are Grieving
• Emotional symptoms– Shock, Anger, Denial, Bargaining, Acceptance,
Depression
• Physical Symptoms– sleeplessness; sadness; decreased appetite;
tearfulness; fatigue; upset stomach; anxiety; dreams/nightmares; lack of concentration
Are these feelings normal, and how long do they last?
• All of these symptoms are normal, although not every person will have every symptom.
• The bereavement period varies from person to person according to each situation and your unique relationship to that person.
• Grief may be brief, or last many years, but generally is at least one year.
Coping Skills to Help yourself and Others
• Counseling• Support Groups• Talking/Listening• Understanding Grief• Letting others Help• Taking care of Self Physically (rest well, eat and
limit alcohol use)• Acknowledge Pain, Allow Tears
When to Get Help
– you feel you can’t handle this alone– you are losing weight– your grades, work, and/or social life are
suffering– you have repeated thoughts of death or dying. – You feel the need to talk and you think your
friends are tired of listening
Where to Get Help
– Friends/Family– Counseling through The Office of the Dean of
Students 494-1254– Counseling and Psychological Services 494-
6995– Counseling and Guidance Center 494-9738– Spiritual Leader, Priest, Minister
Specific Ways to Help Others Cope with Loss
• Ask if they want to talk about their loss. (only if you are willing to listen)
• Just sit with them, you don’t have to say anything to comfort others
• Allow them to cry and be sad• Don’t minimize their feelings• Show you care by words AND actions• Help with practical needs
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