Loss, Grief and Bereavement

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A Look at Loss, Grief & Bereavement

Loss is the disappearance of something cherished, often the death of a person, loss of a relationship, loss of a job or loss of health. Grief is the entire response--mind, body and spirit--to the loss. Bereavement is the often term used when the loss is due to the death of a loved one.

Although a disorienting, disturbing and distressing process, grief is considered to be a normal response, one that most people can cope with given enough time.

This lens explores the many different types of losses and the normal grief or bereavement response to a loss. Also provided are some helpful strategies for making it through the first few hours and additional resources for more information.

Image Source: Lucius Commons. Emelyn Story Tomba. Released to the Public Domain.

 

My Professional Opinion on Grief & Loss 

    Ignorance is not bliss.
    Knowledge returns a sense of control
    over seemingly random occurrences
    and makes it easier to cope.

    Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS

I believe that education is one of the best ways to understand the grief response and aid people in incorporating a major loss into their life.

I have spent more than a decade educating people about the normal grief response by teaching, lecturing, writing articles and through the Journey of Hearts website.

Image Source: Ilker Yavuz. Water Ripple. Royalty Free Use.

Table of Contents for the Loss, Grief & Bereavement Lens 

Background Information on Loss Worth Knowing 

Loss is the disappearance of something cherished, such as a person, possession or property.

Loss is a common experience common experience that can be encountered many times during a lifetime; it does not discriminate for age, race, sex, education, economic status, religion, culture or nationality.

Most people have experienced some type of personal or professional loss at some point in their life as simply as a byproduct of living.

Quote: Grief is a Powerful Emotion 

    Grief is a powerful, universal feeling,
    but it is survivable.

    Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS, FT

Angel of Grief

Angel of Grief on Wikipedia 

Angel of Grief is a 1894 sculpture by William Wetmore Story which serves as the grave stone of the artist and his wife at the Protestant Cemetery, Rome. A replica made in 1906 exists at the Stanford Mausoleum at Stanford University. It replaced one created in 1901 that was destroyed in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. This style of monument is also referred to as "Weeping Angel."

read the rest of the Wikipedia article

Loss, Grief and Bereavement # 1 in Health 



The Loss, Grief and Bereavement lens topped the Health Topics on May 29, 2008 and remained on top for over a month.

# 1 in Health Topic 

According to Margaret's definition of a Masterpiece lens, the Loss, Grief and Bereavement lens is a Masterpiece and a Winner, attaining the Number 1 position in Topic.

As of June 29, Loss, Grief and Bereavement has been the #1 lens in Health Topic for a month.

What to know about Loss is...

Facing a sudden loss can be scary and disorienting. You are suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar territory that is frightening and unsettling.

Knowing that grief is a normal response to a loss and what you can do to make it through the first few days or hours can be very helpful.

Types of Losses 

There are many different types of losses that a person may experience in a lifetime, in addition to those experienced following a death. All of these losses have the potential to result in a grief response.

The types of losses are listed alphabetically.
  1. Loss of Body Function
    Hearing, vision, mental capacities, mobility, communication
  2. Loss of Body Image
    Body part through surgery, accident, change in appearance, aging
  3. Loss of Control
    Natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, social conditions, hospitalization of loved one
  4. Loss of Freedom
    Political, employment, incarceration, stigmatized disease or culture impacting access to health care
  5. Loss of Health
    Medical conditions, illnesses, disability, debilitating or terminal diseases
  6. Loss of Home, Property
    Homelessness, natural or man-made disasters, aging
  7. Loss of Identity
    Marriage, career, new parent, empty nest syndrome, relocation, retirement
  8. Loss of Independence
    Change in living situation e.g. entering nursing home, marriage
  9. Loss of Innocence
    Early sexual experiences, advertising and media influences children to grow up too soon
  10. Loss of Job, Income
    Downsizing, layoffs, retirement, career change
  11. Loss of One's Own Life
    Death, suicide, accident, homicide, murder, war
  12. Loss of Plans, Hopes & Dreams for the Future
    Miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, adoption, infertility, relationship, job, career
  13. Loss of Relationship
    Death, divorce, pet, breakup, illness, adoption, miscarriage
  14. Loss of Religious Beliefs
    Questioning beliefs, disillusioned with church, organized religion, impact of sexual misconduct scandals
  15. Loss of Role
    Occupation, job, relationship e.g. parent, child, friend
  16. Loss of Safety
    Vulnerable feelings after rape, robbery, betrayal, unanticipated events, crises, traumatic events or disasters
  17. Loss of Sexual Function
    Physical or psychological etiology
  18. Loss of Significant Person
    Death, divorce, illness, relocation, military duty, missing person
  19. Loss of Treasured Object(s)
    Favorite objects, family heirlooms destroyed in fire/flood, theft
  20. Loss that is Unexpected or Unanticipated
    The sudden loss, which is often traumatic, that comes without warning from out of the blue, or the unexpected phone call.

Quote: Feeling Alone in Our Sadness 

    Grief is on one of the great common experiences of human beings,
    an yet sometimes
    We feel so alone in our sadness.

    Martha Withmore Hickman

Alone in Her Grief

Information on Grief Worth Knowing 

Grief is a multifaceted, normal reaction to a loss; it is the psychological, behavioral, social and physical reactions to loss.

Grief reactions may be seen in response to physical or tangible losses (e.g., a death or disaster) or in response to symbolic or psychosocial losses (e.g., divorce, losing a job).

What to know about Grief is...

A grieving person may feel like they are going "crazy" with the physical reactions and intense emotions that is like a roller coaster ride.

Yet the emotional & physical responses are really just normal reactions to an abnormal event.

Normal Physical Response to Grief 

When faced with a major life challenge, a person can experience a wide range of physical and emotional responses. These intense, overwhelming and unbearable responses often come in waves.

The grieving person may feel fine one moment and then depressed, anxious, distressed or angry the next; this causes some people to think that they are "going crazy."

Common Physical Responses
Some of the more common physical responses a loss include:
    Fatigue
    Headache
    Lightheaded
    Dizziness
    Palpitations
    Restlessness
    Crying, sighing
    Trouble sleeping
    Short of breath
    Empty Stomach
    Abdominal pain
    Back pain
    Nausea
    Diarrhea
    Constipation
    Weight change
    Increased appetite
    Decreased appetite
    Chest heaviness
    Throat Tightness
These responses, which can last for days to weeks, are not signs of being "crazy" they are normal reactions to an abnormal event.

Am I going crazy?

Quote: Grief as a Companion 

She was no longer wrestling with the grief,
but could sit down with it
as a lasting companion
and make it a sharer in her thoughts.

George Eliot

Emotional and Behaviorial Responses to Grief 

In addition to experiencing actual physical responses grieving people can also go through confusing, fluctuating and conflicting emotions that range from joy to profound grief or distress. Strong emotions such as sorrow, sadness, fear, anger, terror, aching and guilt are among the very normal, common emotional responses for a person in grief.

Emotional and Behavioral Responses
Some of the more common emotional and behavioral responses include:
    Anger
    Irritability
    Panic
    Anxiety
    Fear
    Guilt
    Numbness
    Denial
    Apathy
    Avoiding
    Relief
    Sadness
    Self Blame
    Disbelief
    Vulnerability
    Longing
    Helplessness
    Loneliness
    Meaninglessness
    Abandonment
    Emotionally labile
    Forgetfulness
    Slowed thinking
    Difficulty concentrating
Many people feel stressed, anxious, nervous and afraid. Finding ways to manage these intense responses is an important part of adjusting to the loss.

Quote: My Favorite Descriptive Quote on Grief 

    Grief is a tidal wave that over takes you,
    smashes down upon you with unimaginable force,
    sweeps you up into its darkness,
    where you tumble and crash against unidentifiable surfaces,
    only to be thrown out on an unknown beach, bruised, reshaped...

    Grief will make a new person out of you,
    if it doesn't kill you in the making.

    Stephanie Ericsson

Grief is a Tidal Wave...

Different Responses to Grief 

People experience and respond to a loss in many different ways. Some downplay the event and repress emotions. Some cope with angry verbal or physical outbursts. Others respond more emotionally by sighing, crying or sobbing. Still others cope physically with bodily complaints, pain and physical responses.

It may help to know that each person's reaction to a loss is unique, even if it is the same event. As a result, different people may experience, react and respond very differently when faced with a loss; this can be particular difficult if you and your spouse or family members have different coping strategies and styles.

Knowing that there are different ways of coping may help you to understand someone else's response to the loss. You can then look for ways that you can cope together and ways that you can cope apart.

Grieving Styles - Intuitive, Instrumental or Blended 

Professors Terry Martin and Kenneth Doka studied how people respond to a major life challenge and grieve the loss and published some of their results as part of their book, "Men Don't Cry, Women Do: Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief."

They determined there are two main ways people respond-the intuitive griever (stereotyped as female) and the instrumental griever (stereotyped as male).

Martin and Doka believe these Patterns occur along a continuum. Those grievers near the center show a third style or a blended style of grieving. The "blended style griever who is somewhere in between a little Intuitive (emotional/feeling) and a little Instrumental (physical/thinking).

What is important to realize about their descriptions of grieving styles is that these patterns may be related to gender, but are not determined by gender. Each coping style has it's own distinctive strengths and weaknesses.

The Continuum of Grief is show in the graphic below:

 

Image Source: Continuum of Grief. © Kirsti A. Dyer.
Adapted from: Mokra. Sadness 4. Royalty Free Use. and Martin Boose. Thinking. Royalty Free Use.

Men Don't Cry, Women Do: Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief on Amazon  

Men Don't Cry, Women Do: Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief (Series in Death, Dying and Bereavement)

Men Don't Cry, Women Do: Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief (Series in Death, Dying and Bereavement)

by: Kenneth J. Doka, Terry L. Martin

Amazon Price: $27.62 (as of 01/03/2010)Buy Now

An important look at the differences in grieving styles with Professors Martin and Doka answer the question, "Do men and women grieve differently?"

They take a look at the traditional gender stereotypes of grief and offer some suggestions for strategies likely to be effective with different types of grievers.

Same Loss - Different Grieving Styles

The Intuitive Griever 

The intuitive griever feels the experience intensely and can be helped by expressing his or her grief emotionally often with crying.

The intuitive grief style is the one often associated with typical female grief.

One of the best ways for the intuitive griever to cope is to express his or her emotions, possibly even in a group setting.

Common Characteristics of Intuitive Grievers include:
  • Openly expresses feelings.
  • Expresses anguish or sorrow with tears.
  • Is not afraid to seek support from others.
  • Allows time to experience the inner pain.
  • May become physically exhausted or anxious.
  • May experience prolonged periods of confusion and problems concentrating.
  • Is able to discuss the grief.
  • May benefit from support groups.

The Instrumental Griever 

The instrumental griever feels grief, but less intensely and more physically. They tend to think and problem-solve ways of coping with the experience.

The instrumental grief style is the one often associated with typical male grief.

The instrumental griever needs physical ways to express the grief and may be reluctant to talk about feelings.

Common characteristics of Instrumental Grievers include:
  • Pushes aside feelings to cope with the present situation.
  • Chooses active ways of expressing grief.
  • Often is reluctant to express feelings.
  • Uses humor to express feelings and to manage anger.
  • May only express feelings in private.
  • Seeks solitude to reflect and adapt to loss.
  • May not do well with a support group.

Quote: Grief must be carred alone 

    Grief can't be shared.
    Everyone carries it alone,
    his own burden, his own way.

    Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Carrying the Burden of Grief

Reader Feedback on the Grief Response 

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Everyone grieves the same.

LaraineRose says:

I like to grieve in private but a number of times have had others around and if I handn't experienced the benefits coming from that, I wouldn't have believed it. I do believe that all grieve the same but how they react to that grief is different.

Posted September 15, 2008

PetMemorialWorld says:

Although we may express it differently (or not express it) I believe we all share the same grief experience.
An experience that transcends the loss of ALL of our family members - even our beloved animals.

Posted June 12, 2008

sidnelson says:

This is a very excellent and informative lens and I added a link to it on my blog on funeral poems. I think everyone is right on the feedbacks because there are two sides to all of us. There is the outward "person" or ego or Id, that interacts with others in it's own unique way so in that extent we all grieve differently. But the true spirit or consciousness that we are is the same for all of us. We're all just different manifestations of the very same One spirit. We, in reality, are the One that is the "observer" when we dream while participating in the dream at the same time. So to that extent we do grieve the same. So in both contexts, everyone is correct. The outward self or ego acts a certain way but the inner true self is the same for all of us! :-)

Posted June 07, 2008

Barry Wah Lee says:

I like it that you mention many ways to lose.I was feeling terribly about efforts to stop fireworks.I also grieve at changes to rules.New departments and new rules come by the day.But my dad helped me by always talking about the happiest funeral he went to,where people were warned not to be sad .My cat was put down the other day, but I had extra time with her because my mum paid for an expensive operation.Puss had a cancer in her mouth.

Posted June 03, 2008

BlessedOne says:

I do believe that everyone grieves differently and no one can tell another the proper way to grieve. Saying stupid things like "maybe it's for the best" don't help either. However, I also believe that our loved ones can offer us comfort in our time of need. I'm new to squidoo and recently made a lens about my experience with a miscarriage and the grief I went through. I'd love to get your opinion of it, since you are an expert. It is called A Memory of Miscarriage and you can get to it by clicking on my picture. Thanks and have a very blessed day! ~ Tracy

Posted May 20, 2008

spirituality says:

Everyone grieves the same: we all feel loss, sorrow, anger etc. But how that gets expressed does differ. Grief in one of those things that is part of life, because change, illness and death are part of life.

Posted March 29, 2008

Comfortdoc says:

It is a popular belief that we should be 'over it' within two weeks...or at least this is the time frame given for those lucky enough to have bereavement leave from work.

Posted January 09, 2008

Everyone grieves differently.

masterbarnes says:

I lost my father last month. I find it hard to deal with. It was totally not expected and it has impacted me deeply.

Posted November 13, 2009

Spook says:

My Mum died last night and although I was suspecting this, it was still a shock. I am so far away and as when it happened to my Dad, I won't be able to make the funeral. This saddens and infuriates me.

Posted July 27, 2009

colibri says:

My dad passed away in 2000 from cancer and it was of course a very sad time. He went too soon and it was a little frustrating to know that if he had not smoked for 20 years he could have lived longer. He tried so hard to beat it though. My mom became alone at that time and has been alone since. That is also sad. My saving grace is that I am very aware of the spiritual nature that we all have and that has kept me pretty calm and able to deal with it. I know that somewhere, somehow, I will see my dad again. He moved on in spirit and is still alive. He is just somewhere else now. It would however be nice to still be able to contact him and talk to him once in awhile. Thanks for this lens.

Posted April 18, 2009

chriskelley says:

When my mother passed away after years of debilitating illness I was surprised at my response. We had often talked together about her death, and I thought I would be more prepared for it when it happened. The last year of her life had been grueling fo us both, she needed constant care washing, eating, all the simple things we take for granted.
I realize now that it was in that last year that I bonded most closely with my mother. Once she was gone, I not only missed Mom the person, but also there was another huge hole in my life... my identiy as a caregiver was gone and I foundered for awhile trying to figure out what to do with myself.
I cried alot, but I also decided that for me stepping outside myself and helping others was the only way I could heal a broken heart. I could no longer help Mom, but there were plenty of other people to help in the world.

Posted January 17, 2009

Nara says:

I believe we all grieve differently, I have lost a Grandson and Mother. It was hard have my Mom pass away 3 years ago. But this pass Nov. when my Grandson would have been 12 It was hard. I just take my time and grief when I need to.
Thanks for this lens.

Posted January 16, 2009

Nara says:

I believe we all grieve differently, I have lost a Grandson and Mother. It was hard have my Mom pass away 3 years ago. But this pass Nov. when my Grandson would have been 12 It was hard. I just take my time and grief when I need to.
Thanks for this lens.

Posted January 16, 2009

sandyspider says:

I never realize that grief came with so many types of losses. I see myself in some of those. I still feel grief for my sister who died when I was seven.

Posted November 05, 2008

Shelly says:

This is an amazing site--I would guess that there are several lives that have been save through this site.

Posted October 07, 2008

AshleyBretting-M.S. says:

Loss in any form can truly be devastating weather it is your home, job, pets, relationships, health etc. While I believe we all grieve differently, we share the same elements and stages of grief.

Posted August 22, 2008

Jewelsofawe says:

I know having been through grief a number of times, that we all greive differently

Posted August 14, 2008

 
view all 47 comments

Articles on the Myths of Grief and Loss 

HFA Grief And Loss - Shattering Eight Myths About Grief
From the Hospice Foundation of America.
Common Myths about Grief
Common Myths about Grief from the Journey of Hearts site.
Myths of Grief
From SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Mid-Atlantic.
Five Myths About Grief
Doherty Funeral Homes looks at five myths about grief.
Helping Dispel 5 Common Myths About Grief
From Grief Works, a look at 5 common myths about grief.
Ten Common Myths & Realities About Grief
A look at ten common myths about grief from the National Funeral Directors Association. The article originally appeared in the March 1999 issue of The Director, the official publication of NFDA

Remember the Basics When Coping with Loss 

Healthy Ways to Face A Loss

Following a loss, death or other tragic event it may be difficult to remember to take care for oneself. When facing a loss it is helpful to focus the basics.

This short list provides healthy coping strategies that I recommended to patients and to friends, to keep them moving during the first few days.
  1. Take it one hour at a time, one day at a time, if need be one moment at a time.
  2. Get enough sleep or at least enough rest.
  3. Try and maintain some type of a normal routine.
  4. Remember that regular exercise helps relieve stress and tension.
  5. Eat a balanced diet. Limit high calorie and junk food. Drink plenty of water.
  6. Avoid using alcohol, medications or other drugs in excess or to mask the pain.
  7. Do those things and be with those people who comfort, sustain and recharge you.
  8. Talk to others, especially those who have lived through and survived similar experiences.
  9. Find creative ways-journal, paint, photograph, build, woodwork, quilt, knit, collage or draw-to express intense feelings.
  10. Remember coping skills you have used to survive past losses. Draw upon these inner strengths again.

Your Thoughts on Coping with a Loss 

What have you found to be the most helpful when coping with a loss?

1

Vote Up

Someone to recognize that I am grieving.

9 points

2

Vote Up

Staying busy.

7 points

3

Vote Up

A listening ear.

6 points

4

Vote Up

Reading books on how to cope.

5 points

5

Vote Up

Understanding about the grief process.

3 points

6

Vote Up

Realizing that I'm not going crazy.

Realizing that I'm not going crazy.3 points

7

Vote Up

Talking to others who've been through the same thing.

3 points

8

Vote Up

Time off to help cope with the loss.

1 point

9

Vote Up

Be Still

I talk to Jesus who died for me and shows me that more...1 point

10

Vote Up

People treating me as normal

not avoiding talking to me1 point

11

Vote Up

Poetry, reading and/or sharing

Especially, Emily Dickinson0 points

Heart Ache Leave vs. Bereavement Leave 

In Japan, workers can take off 'heartache leave' to mend a broken heart. The time off increases as you age.

In the United States, bereavement leave is frequently more limited. I remember two weeks after the September 11, 2001 tragedy, the flags were no longer flying at half mast, an indication that we were supposed to be moving on and getting over it.

Perhaps we should be looking at offering shitsuren kyuka in the United States, or a [paid] holiday you take when you feel too devastated to come to the office.

Photo Credit: Modified Microsoft Image.
Japanese firm offers "heartache leave" for staff
TOKYO (Reuters) - Lovelorn staff at a Japanese marketing company can take paid time off after a bad break-up with a partner, with more heartache leave on offer as they get older.
Taking heartache leave: time off work to mend your broken heart
A Japanese marketing company offers time off after a bad breakup.
Heartbreak heaven for staff
An article on Heartbreak leave from The Japan Times Online.

Cost of Grief 

For a 2003 study by the Grief Institute used more than 12 recognized studies to compute the cost of a lost work hours due to grief.

They estimated that grief in the workplace grief costs U.S. businesses over $75 billion a year in reduced productivity, increased errors and accidents.

These numbers get broken down as following:
    Death of a Loved One Cost: $37.6 billion
    Divorce/Marital Woes Cost: $11 billion
    Family Crisis Cost: $9 billion
    Death of an Acquaintance Cost: $7 billion
    Money Trouble at Home Cost: $4.6 billion
    Pet Loss Cost: $2.4 billion
Russell Friedman, the institute's co-director perhaps says it best,
    "When your heart is broken, your head doesn't work right."

Source: The Grief Institute. 2003.

Grief in the Workplace 

The Annual Cost of Despair
Jeffrey Zaslow takes a look at the Annual Cost of Despair for the Wall Street Journal.
How's It Going?
An article that looks at times and ways that executives have dealt with difficult and distressing personal situations while keeping up professional appearances in the Associations Now Magazine.
Sacked bankers can grieve like the bereaved
Former bankers, who once had hectic, crowded lives fuelled by excitement, large salaries and lottery-sized bonuses, are now filling their days
drinking coffee in Notting Hill from Times Online.
Workers' bereavement benefits often fall short
While some bosses show abundant compassion when employees experience the death of a loved one, many others are left with not enough time off to properly grieve from the Careers section of MSNBC.com.

August - September Many Anniversaries that Bring Grief 

It is interesting to me that in a relatively short period of time starting at the end of August within the span of just a few weeks we experience the Anniversaries of several major deaths:
    * The 3rd year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005)
    * The 11th year anniversary of the death of Princess Diana (August 31, 1997)
    * The 2nd year anniversary of the death of Steve Irwin (Sept 4, 2006)
    * The 11th year anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa (September 5, 1997)
    * The 7th year of September 11th (Sept 11, 2002)
Anniversary dates of a tragic event, the actual date of the death, the birth date of a loved one, holidays or other special occasions are common triggers for an Anniversary reaction or a grief response. An Anniversary reaction or response is a sudden unexpected rush of memories, intense emotions and feelings of grief.

Photo Source: Kevin Smith. Honor the Fallen. Royalty Free Use.

More about the Anniversary Reaction or Anniversary Response 

I've update the Anniversary Reaction lens for this year remembering those who have died.
featured lens Anniversary Reaction - When Remembering Isn't Always a Happy Occasion

Coping with the anniversary of the death of a loved one, the loss of a public figure, dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or the national trauma of September 11, 2001 can be difficult for the family, the friends...

Remember September 11 with My Good Deed 

My Good Deed gives people a positive way of remembering September 11, by turning 9/11 into a national day of service and compassion.
featured lens My Good Deed - Change the World

How will you remember 9/11? Pledge your good deed for 9/11 in memory of those lost September 11, 2001 and turn 9/11 into a national day of service and compassion. My Good Deed is a non-profit public benefit corporation that was founded in 2002 to hon...

Blog Posts on the Anniversary Reaction 

What is an Anniversary Response or Anniversary Reaction?
From the Grief, Loss & Transitions - Journey of Hearts Blog an post looking at an Anniversary Response.
Anniversary Reaction - Anniversary Response
From the Comfortdoc on Squidoo Blog a post on the Anniversary Reaction.

Time to Grieve

How Long Will I Grieve? 

    People in mourning have to come to grips with death
    before they can live again.
    Mourning can go on for years and years.
    It doesn't end after a year, that's a false fantasy.
    It usually ends when people realize that they can live again,
    that they can concentrate their energies on their lives as a whole,
    and not on their hurt, and guilt and pain.

    Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
A grieving person must recognize that they may never entirely "get over" their grief. Some losses never entirely fade e.g. loss of child, loss of spouse, diagnosis with a terminal illness. Rather in time they learn how to integrate the loss or change into their lives and keep living.

The dual process model is one of the current ways of explaining the grieving process; it is a dynamic struggle between the pain of the death of the loved one (loss-oriented) and recovery (restoration-oriented).

Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross may have described the process of grieving (mourning) best in her quote and how long grief lasts.

Therefore, the grieving process usually ends when people realize that they will survive and begin to focus their energy on living.

Piecing Together a New Life

Learning to Live Again 

    Piece by piece, I reenter the world.
    A new phase. A new body, a new voice.

    Birds console me by flying, trees by growing,
    dogs by the warm patch they leave on the sofa.

    Unknown people merely by performing their motions.

    It's like a slow recovery from a sickness, this recovery of one's self.

    Tony Talbot
The grieving process involves learning to adapt and adjust to a life forever changed by the loss, a life that can change in many different ways. This may involve developing new skills, changing a circle of friends, moving, changing jobs, giving up activities and taking on new responsibilities.

More Healthy Coping Strategies 

After making it through the first few days just focusing on the basics, the grieving person may need some helpful suggestions to keep going.

This short list provides additional healthy coping strategies to keep the person moving and doing something beyond first few days following the loss.
    1. Create a Memorial. Depending on the circumstances and the person you may want to create roadside memorial, a home shrine or a bulletin board filled with letters, notes, poems and pictures. You may decide to create a sculpture, a collage or fill a scrapbook with memories.

    2. Help to plan and organize the funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life to honor the person who has died. Planning a service, tending to the details, is something active to do, during a time when people often feel helpless.

    3. Plant a tree or flowers in a garden in memory of the person lost.

    4. Donate--money, time, food, clothing or other needed items--to a favorite charity, homeless shelter, animal shelter or home for abused women.

    5. Donate blood at your local blood center. Donating is another way of doing something active and giving something back.

    6. Write sympathy and condolence notes, letters of encouragement and support to those affected by the loss.

    7. Thank the emergency and hospital personnel, highway patrol, police and firefighters for helping if the loss involved an accident or emergency.

    8. Be kind to others. Make space for the car merging in on the freeway. Don't use your horn unless it is absolutely necessary. Let someone with fewer items go first in the grocery store.

    9. Perform random acts of kindness. This will help to remind one there is tenderness and thoughtfulness in the world. Pay the bridge toll for the person behind you. Smile at the store clerk. Some choose to perform random acts of kindness in memory of the person lost.

    10. Volunteer your services or skills. Offer assistance to someone in need.

    11. Do something that can benefit others. Take a first aid or CPR class.

    12. Remember to tell your loved ones, friends and family how much you care about them often.

Source: Dyer K. 2002. How to Cope with Loss, Grief, Death & Dying - Professionally & Personally. Presentation for California Maritime Academy's Dying: The Final Stage Course.

Create a Circle of Healing 

I have long had the belief that there is a healing power in holding a person in one's thoughts-whether through saying prayers or blessings or lighting candles.

These are the same beliefs echoed by Jim Reeves, the urologist who treated Lance Armstrong who recited the ancient Chinese belief, that when a person is held in the hearts and minds and souls of so many other people, they can do better.

Creating a circle of healing and positive thoughts and positive intention is something that friends and family can do when someone is sick or facing a life crisis to feel a little less helpless.

If nothing else, creating a circle of healing gives everyone something to do during a very difficult time.

More on Creating a Circle of Healing 

featured lens Circle of Healing

One of the greatest difficulties for me as a NICU parent, who was also used to being a physician, was the overwhelming feeling that there wasn't anything I could do for my daughter. I had to step back and turn over all of the care to those who unders...

Creating a Circle of Healing Hands

Create a CarePage to Connect, Share and Care 

CarePages unique service allows you to create a personal, private web page to help family and friends communicate when a loved one is facing illness whether at the beginning of life as a newborn, at the end of life, or somewhere in between.

Creating a CarePage can be a way of generating support, providing information and updates easily. I think the greatest benefit may be that of holding the loved one in everyone's thoughts so they can do better and get healthy, or feel the love and support of family at the end of life.

More about Using CarePages 

featured lens CarePages - Connect Friends and Family During Times of Challenge

CarePages unique service allows you to create a personal, private web page to help family and friends communicate when a loved one is facing illness whether at the beginning of life as a newborn, at the end of life, or somewhere in between. Creating...

Breathing as a Helpful Coping Strategy 

Whether is is coping with the loss of a loved one, managing a life changing event or just coping with everyday stressors, remembering to "Breathe, Just Breathe" is a very helpful strategy for the grieving person.

Breathe helps get oxygen flowing to the brain so you can think more clearly, which is important during stressful times.

When we are tense during stressful times, we often forget to breathe. Something simple as focusing on breathing can be very helpful.

Breathe, Just Breathe

More Articles on Breathing as a Coping Strategy 

Several articles
Breathe...Just Breathe: Breathing Techniques to Help Cope with and Reduce Stress
Taking a moment to focus on one's breathing is a simple but effective way of coping with and reducing many of the stresses faced as a part of living.
Breathe, Just Breathe - An Effective Strategy for Daily Coping | Type-A Mom
The lyrics to Anna Nalick's song Breathe have been my new mantra when things start getting difficult. I stop for a moment and remember to Breathe, Just Breathe.
NICU Parent Support Blog: Breathe, Just Breathe - An Effective Strategy for Coping with a Challenge
Breathing can be used as a healthy coping strategy to help in calming the frazzled nerves that NICU Parents may frequently experience.
Strategies for Dealing with NICU Stresses - Try a Relaxing or Cleansing Sigh
Strategies for coping with stresses in the NICU or otherwise from the NICU Parent Support Blog.

Music to Comfort Available on Amazon 

Listening to comforting Music is a helpful way of coping with a loss. One of my favorite comforting musicians is Steven Halpern.
Transitions

Transitions

Steven Halpern's music on this CD was written to provide comfort and solace during times of transitions. The music "creates a safe and supportive ambiance, a sacred sonic space for the prayers, meditation and mindfulness that support us and give us hope."

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone

Steven Halpern helps people to find a comfort zone with the soothing sounds of nature.

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Gifts of the Angels

Gifts of the Angels

There is an ethereal out-of-this world quality to this music on this CD. Listening to it there is a sense that of floating out in space and hearing the angels sing. Somehow in Gifts of the Angels Steven Halpern managed to capture the voices of the angels, a comforting thought to many who have lost a loved one.

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

More about Music Therapy as a Way to Cope with Loss 

featured lens Music Therapy - A Harmonious Complementary Therapy

According to the American Music Therapy Association, Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages.  Music therapy improves the quali...

More on Coping with Loss with Candles and Blessings 

Create a Candle Lighting Ceremony: Candles Can Help to Focus, Reduce Stress or Remember a Loved One
Lighting a candle is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress, help a person focus or to put together a ritual or ceremony to remember someone who has died.
A Cleansing, Healing Candle Burning Ceremony
From the Grief, Loss & Transitions - Journey of Hearts Blog a look at creating a cleansing, healing candle ritual.
Blessing: A Wish, A Prayer, A Hope: A Collection of Blessings for Peace, Healing & Comfort
Blessings can be a helpful invocation, a prayer, a wish or a hope. Blessings are frequently used to help in coping when people are facing challenging times.
Creating a Circle of Healing and Support
How we created a Circle of Healing on the NICU Parent Support Blog.
An Easter Healing Blessing in the Intensive Care Nursery
A look at the Easter Healing Blessing from the NICU Parent Support Site.
An Easter Wish for NICU Parents
An Easter Wish for NICU Parents from the Type-A Mom site.

Candle Lighting Featured Lens to Help in Coping with Loss 

featured lens Worldwide Candle Lighting

Every year, since 1997, on the second Sunday in December The Compassionate Friends (TCF) hold a Worldwide Candle Lighting in memory of all children who have died too soon. On this day people around the world are encouraged to light a candle to so tha...

Lenses on Writing Sympathy Cards, Condolence Notes and Condolence Letters 

Writing a condolence note, card or letter is a beneficial way of helping someone else who has experienced a major loss.
featured lens How to Write a Condolence Letter

Finding the right words to write a condolence letter or sympathy note may be challenging, yet the benefits can be immeasurable. A well-written, heart-felt condolence letter is a show of your support and sympathy for the person grieving the death of a...

featured lens How to Write a Condolence Note or a Sympathy Note

Taking a bit of time to write a condolence note or condolence letter can be a great source of comfort and provide a gift of healing for a friend or a loved one who is grieving a loss. According to research by Hallmark, Americans send nearly 125 mill...

featured lens How to Write a Sympathy Card

Sending your sympathy following the death of a loved one or a major loss is still best done by sending a hand-written card, a note or a letter. It is estimated that Americans send nearly 125 million sympathy cards annually for many different types o...

More Articles on Writing Condolence Cards, Notes and Letters 

Writing a Condolence Card: How to Write a Sympathy Card or Condolence Note for a Loss Survivor
Handwritten Sympathy Notes and Condolence Cards are a very important of the grieving and healing processes for those who have lost a loved one.
Writing a Condolence Letter: How to Write a Sympathy Letter or Condolence Letter for a Loss
Sending your condolences or sympathies in a letter following a death is a very old tradition that is still very beneficial for the person who has lost a loved one.

Sending Condolences by Email, Text or Instant Message 

With all of the technology available to us these days, there are a variety of ways that messages can be sent, other than the old styles letters (snail mail) or by phone.

Email is slowly starting to be recognized by some etiquette experts as an alternative way of sending at least initial condolences.

Most of the etiquette experts believe, and I concur, that texting and IM (instant messaging) are too informal and should only be used for casual topics or informational briefs.

More Articles on Sending Condolences by Text, IM or Email 

Six Questions to Ask Before You Hit "Send": Etiquette for Sending Condolences by Email, Text or Instant Message
With all of the modern technology there are many ways that messages can now be sent from email to texting. Not all of these are recommended for sending condolence.
Can I Send Condolences by Email? Etiquette for Emailling Sympathies and Condolences
Email is one of the ways that people use to communicate with each other daily. However there are some situations where email is not appropriate, like sending condolences.
Can I Send Text Message Condolences? Etiquette for Texting Bad News, Sympathies and Condolences
Text Messages are one way routinely used by many to communicate with each other. However experts feel that text messages should not be used with more serious topics.
Can I Send Instant Messages as Condolences? Etiquette for Sending Sympathies and Condolences by Instant Message
Instant messages are used by many people to communicate with each other. However experts feel that text messages should not be used at all with more serious topics.

A Featured Lens on Texting, Instant Messaging or Emailing Concolences 

featured lens Can I Send My Condolences by Text, IM or Email?

Even in an era of so many different ways of being in touch with people, there are some personal communications, such as condolences or sympathy, that should still be delivered in person or by snail mail. I started this lens to find an answer to the...

A Featured Lens on How to Write an Obituary 

featured lens How to Write an Obituary

For many people the obituary section is the first one read in the morning newspaper each day. An obituary may be the last words written about a person after they die. This lens explores different aspects of obituaries or death notices including usef...

More Lenses by Dr. Dyer on Loss and Grief Topics 

How to Cope with Loss and Grief - Healthy Coping Strategies
Helpful information on coping with loss and grief.
Anniversary Reaction - When Remembering Isn't Always a Happy Occasion
Coping with the anniversary of the death of a loved one or other major loss can be difficult for the loved ones left behind.
Holiday Blues - Feeling Sad, Lonely or Depressed During the Holidays?
For some people the holiday season can be a very difficult time time of year. This article offers insights and suggestions for getting through the holidays.
Are You Having a Charlie Brown Christmas?
A look at Charlie Brown, from the perspective that he may be having a blue Christmas. A slightly more upbeat look at the holiday blues.
I'll Be Home for Christmas - A Wish of Hope and Peace for the Holidays
This lens also includes resources for coping with the holidays for those who are apart from loved ones.
Children and Grief
Children and adolescents are not immune to facing loss, death, dying and grief; they encounter loss, will experience a grief response and must learn how to cope.
Caregiver Grief
Grief is important part of the caregiver experience that is often overlooked.

More Grief and Loss Articles from Dr. Dyer 

Loss, Grief and Bereavement articles from Suite 101.
Navigating the Grief Journey: How to Find Your Way During Challenging Times
Learning how to navigate the Journey of Grief and understanding the Grieving process following a major loss can make the grief experience more survivable.
Am I Grieving or Am I Depressed? How to Decide if You Are Experiencing Normal Grief or Depression
Learning how to tell the difference between grief and depression can help greatly in the recovery process of the person experiencing either of these responses.

A Life Forever Changed by Loss 

    As I learn my life anew,
    may I be empowered by loving memories.

    Martha Whitmore Hickman
The Journey of Grief following a loss, a crisis or a significant life change is a very personal and many times a very private one.

Each person experiences his or her own unique journey discovering their own internal sources of strength to help him/her cope with the grief response.

In the grieving process, the bereaved person must learn how to deal with the loss, crisis or significant change, adapt and adjust to a new life.

Despite the loss, life goes on, it moves forward and begins anew, but it is a life forever changed.

Quote: Life Goes On 

    In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life:
    it goes on.

    Robert Frost

Life Anew

The Latest from the Grief, Loss & Transitions Blog 

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Books on Grief Available on Amazon 

Just a few that I have found to be helpful.

These are just some of the grief, loss and bereavement books that I have in my personal collection.
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief

Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations For Working Through Grief

by: Martha W. Hickman

Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

by: Harold S. Kushner

Amazon Price: $8.60 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

A Time to Grieve: Meditations for Healing After the Death of a Loved One

A Time to Grieve: Meditations for Healing After the Death of a Loved One

by: Carol Staudacher

Amazon Price: $10.79 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

A Grief Observed

A Grief Observed

by: C. S. Lewis

Amazon Price: $8.63 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies

How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies

by: Therese A. Rando

Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

More Lenses on Loss, Grief and Bereavement 

featured lens How to Cope with Loss and Grief - Healthy Coping Strategies

When faced with a loss, crisis or life-changing event, you are suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar world, one that can be frightening and unsettling. Knowing how to make it through the first few days or hours can help. This lens offers articles and re...

featured lens The Arlington Ladies

For more than 35 years, the Arlington Ladies volunteers have represented veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard at every funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. Currently 195 Arlington Ladies, volunteer time to pay tribute to nation's...

featured lens Anniversary Reaction - When Remembering Isn't Always a Happy Occasion

Coping with the anniversary of the death of a loved one, the loss of a public figure, dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or the national trauma of September 11, 2001 can be difficult for the family, the friends...

The Next Place in the Amazon Spotlight 

The Next Place

The Next Place

by: Warren Hanson

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 01/03/2010)Buy Now

Beautifully illustrated and written "The Next Place" helps in explaining the concept of death to a child.

The recommended reading ages are 4 - 8, "The Next Place" would still be a beautiful gift for someone of any age who has experienced a significant loss.

Books about Loss on Amazon 

Just a few that I have found to be helpful.

When there Are No Words: Finding Your Way to Cope with Loss and Grief

When there Are No Words: Finding Your Way to Cope with Loss and Grief

by: Charlie Walton

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Getting to the Other Side of Grief: Overcoming the Loss of a Spouse

Getting to the Other Side of Grief: Overcoming the Loss of a Spouse

by: Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge

Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Life After Loss: A Practical Guide To Renewing Your Life After Experiencing Major Loss (4th Edition)

Life After Loss: A Practical Guide To Renewing Your Life After Experiencing Major Loss (4th Edition)

by: Bob Deits

Amazon Price: $14.04 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love: Daily Meditations to Help You Through the Grieving Process

Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love: Daily Meditations to Help You Through the Grieving Process

by: Raymond Mitsch, Lynn Brookside

Amazon Price: $9.35 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief

Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief

by: Pauline Boss

Amazon Price: $13.60 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

And I Quote in the Amazon Spotlight 

And I Quote (Revised Edition): The Definitive Collecton of Quotes, Sayings, and Jokes for the Contemporary Speechmaker

And I Quote (Revised Edition): The Definitive Collecton of Quotes, Sayings, and Jokes for the Contemporary Speechmaker

by: Ashton Applewhite, Tripp Evans, Andrew Frothingham

Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)Buy Now
List Price: $27.95

This collection of quotes collection of over 10,000 quotes is geared to those who seek something witty and appropriate for public presentations. Many old standards are included, but there is much that is contemporary to choose from.

It features one of my own quotes on Grief and Loss along with many of my personal favorite quotes on the topic. See page 130.

Books on Coping with the Holidays on Amazon 

Just a few that I have found to be helpful.

Healing Your Holiday Grief: 100 Practical Ideas for Blending Mourning and Celebration During the Holiday Season (Healing Your Grieving Heart series)

Healing Your Holiday Grief: 100 Practical Ideas for Blending Mourning and Celebration During the Holiday Season (Healing Your Grieving Heart series)

by: Alan D. Wolfelt PhD

Amazon Price: $8.60 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Empty Chair, The: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions

Empty Chair, The: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions

by: Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, Robert De Vries

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

How Will I Get Through the Holidays? 12 Ideas for Those Whose Loved One Has Died

How Will I Get Through the Holidays? 12 Ideas for Those Whose Loved One Has Died

by: James E Miller, Marty Herman

Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others are Celebrating

A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others are Celebrating

by: Harold Ivan Smith

Amazon Price: $10.07 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Surviving Holidays, Birthdays and Anniversaries (Grief Steps Guide)

Surviving Holidays, Birthdays and Anniversaries (Grief Steps Guide)

by: Brook Noel

Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Lenses on Coping with the Holidays 

featured lens Are You Having a Charlie Brown Christmas?

Linus, I just don't understand Christmas. Instead of feeling happy, I feel sort of let down. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is one of my all time favorite Christmas programs. Five years ago as I watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special for...

featured lens Holiday Blues - Feeling Sad, Lonely or Depressed During the Holidays?

For many people instead of the holidays being a time when "the days are merry and bright," they are more likely to be experiencing the blues for many different reasons. For some people the holiday season can be a very difficult time time of...

featured lens I'll Be Home for Christmas - Coping with the Holidays

The classic song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," is a song about longing to be home with the ones that you love. Listening to this beautiful melody and lyrics is one way of being home for a bit even when you're far apart...if only in your dr...

The Violet Heart Collection - Gifts for Those Grieving a Loss 

Lenses with items from the Violet Heart Collection, gifts designed for anyone grieving a loss
featured lens The Violet Heart Collection

The Violet Heart Collection features pins, items and gifts designed for people facing a life changing event and to recognize that someone is experiencing a challenge or transition. The Violet Flower and the Purple Heart were the inspiration behind the...

featured lens The Violet Heart on CafePress

The Violet Heart Collection on CafePress features specially selected items and gifts designed for people facing a life changing event and to recognize that someone is experiencing a challenge or transition. The Violet Heart Collection items can be w...

Books on Loss, Grief & Bereavement for Children 

What's Heaven?

What's Heaven?

by: Maria Shriver

Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Sad Isn't Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss (Elf-Help Books for Kids)

Sad Isn't Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss (Elf-Help Books for Kids)

by: Michaelene Mundy

Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

A Terrible Thing Happened - A story for children who have witnessed violence or trauma

A Terrible Thing Happened - A story for children who have witnessed violence or trauma

by: Margaret M. Holmes, Sasha J. Mudlaff

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying

Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying

by: Joyce C. Mills

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies

by: Janis Silverman

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Lifetimes in the Amazon Spotlight 

One of my favorite books on helping teach children about death.
Lifetimes

Lifetimes

by: Bryan Mellonie

Amazon Price: $10.08 (as of 01/03/2010)Buy Now

Lifetimes emphasizes "lifetimes" for different things, for plants, for animals and for people. It helps portray the fact that all creatures have a life cycle. The soft illustrations are very beautiful and soothing.

This book is an excellent choice for a child who is asking about death or who has recently experienced the loss of a pet, friend, or relative.

The Dragonfly Secret in the Amazon Spotlight 

The Dragonfly Secret: A Story of Boundless Love (a Mom's Choice Awards Recipient)

The Dragonfly Secret: A Story of Boundless Love (a Mom's Choice Awards Recipient)

by: Clea Adams, John Adams

Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 01/03/2010)Buy Now

The Dragonfly Secret is a heartwarming story of love and remembrance. It provides a degree of reassurance to children that loved ones exist in some form after they have passed.

I agree that The Dragonfly Secret is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to have on hand. It approaches a delicate topic with sensitivity and care, guiding children through difficult times.

More Help for Children Coping with Loss and Grief 

featured lens Help a Child Cope with Loss and Grief

Children and adolescents are not immune to facing loss, death, dying and grief; they encounter loss and will experience a grief response. Much as we, as parents and teacher, might want to protect and shelter children and try to create a world for the...

Gender Differences in Grief on Amazon 

Swallowed by a Snake: The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing

Swallowed by a Snake: The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing

by: Thomas R. Golden

Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

When Men Grieve: Why Men Grieve Differently and How You Can Help

When Men Grieve: Why Men Grieve Differently and How You Can Help

by: Elizabeth Levang

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Men Don't Cry, Women Do: Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief (Series in Death, Dying and Bereavement)

Men Don't Cry, Women Do: Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief (Series in Death, Dying and Bereavement)

by: Kenneth J. Doka, Terry L. Martin

Amazon Price: $27.62 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

The Death of a Husband: Reflections for a Grieving Wife (Comfort After a Loss)

The Death of a Husband: Reflections for a Grieving Wife (Comfort After a Loss)

by: Helen Reichert Lambin

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Miscarriage: Women Sharing from the Heart

Miscarriage: Women Sharing from the Heart

by: Marie Allen, Shelly Marks

Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Heart of a Woman in the Amazon Spotlight 

Heart of a Woman

Heart of a Woman

by: Sheryl L. Roush

Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 01/03/2010)Buy Now

This collection of short stories, poems and quotations was assembled to rekindle your spirit and touch your soul.

Heart of a Woman features some of my own quotes on Death & Dying, along with some of my favorite quotes. See page 55.

Books on Helping Caregivers Cope with Grief 

Just a few that I have found to be helpful.

Comfort and Be Comforted: Reflections for Caregivers (Grief Resources)

Comfort and Be Comforted: Reflections for Caregivers (Grief Resources)

by: Pat Samples

Amazon Price: $1.21 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Companioning the Dying: A Soulful Guide for Counselors & Caregivers

Companioning the Dying: A Soulful Guide for Counselors & Caregivers

by: Greg Yoder

Amazon Price: $22.76 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Responding to Loss: a Resource for Caregivers (Death, Value, and Meaning) (Death, Value, and Meaning Series)

Responding to Loss: a Resource for Caregivers (Death, Value, and Meaning) (Death, Value, and Meaning Series)

by: Adolf Hansen

Amazon Price: $40.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

The Caregiver's Companion: Words to Comfort and Inspire

The Caregiver's Companion: Words to Comfort and Inspire

by: Nancy Love

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal

Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal

by: Beth Witrogen McLeod

Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 01/03/2010) Buy Now

Helping Caregivers Cope with Grief 

featured lens Caregiver Grief

Grief is important part of the caregiver experience that is often overlooked. According to Grief expert Kenneth Doka, PhD "Grief is a reaction to a loss, but it can be -- and with caregivers grief often is -- a multifaceted reaction." Man...

Featured Lens in the Caregivers and Caregiving Group 

featured lens Caregivers and Caregiving Headquarters

Caregivers and Caregiving A group devoted to caregivers, the person who is responsible for attending to the needs of a child or dependent adult. This group contains carefully selected lenses with information and resources for caregivers, the unsung...

The Latest News on Grief and Loss 

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Featured Lens in the Grief and Loss Club 

featured lens Grief & Loss Club Headquarters

The Grief & Loss Club is for lenses that have information, resources and support to anyone grieving a loss. The Grief & Loss Club is one that people do not choose to join, rather it is a club that their experience of grief has given t...

The Latest Blog Posts on Grief and Loss from Google 

Last Minutes with Oden: On Experiencing Grief and Loss // Current
Last Minutes with Oden? is an attractively engaging, but also extremely heart-wrenching 6-minute short documentary directed by Eliot Rausch. The film.
Last Minutes with Oden: On Experiencing Grief and Loss « Et Cetera ...
Last Minutes with Oden: On Experiencing Grief and Loss. Last Minutes with Oden is an attractively engaging, but extremely heart-wrenching 6-minute short documentary directed and edited by Eliot Rausch, in association with PhosPictures. ...
Ecopsychology and the Experience of Grief and Loss | Green Energy ...
An ObservationI see grief and loss and how it relates to ecopsychology as the emotional reaction a person may feel when confronted with environmental loss, damage, or destruction regardless of whether that change is brought about by ...
Always and Forever Ours: A Cultural Context
The video was called "Grief and Loss in Adoption". The idea is that the hub at the center of the wheel of the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptee) is loss. Obviously the birth parents have to grieve the ...
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Loss, Grief & Bereavement - a Masterpiece Lens 

WorldClassMasterpieceBadgeI am honored and humbled to have been recognized as one of the Masterpiece Movement lensmasters, lensmasters who are committed to bringing the highest quality, most relevant information, best writing and greatest ideas.

In order to qualify you need to present your best work, your best ideas, your most fabulous, over the top lenses.

According to Margaret, "The grief page IS a masterpiece, IMHO"

Loss, Grief & Bereavement is a Masterpiece Lens 

featured lens Squidoo's Masterpiece Lenses Headquarters

For the ABSOLUTE 'OVER THE TOP' Lenses at Squidoo! Is your lens a WINNER? Took #1 Lensrank? #1 in Topic? Then get your badge HERE and show the world your commitment to the highest quality on Squidoo or anywhere on the internet! We have the top l...

Loss, Grief and Bereavement is a Tough Topic and Thought Provoking Lens 

featured lens Tough Topics Headquarters

Tough Topics Some topics, even though they are hard, have stories that deserve to be told. Good lenses with comprehensive information can be excellent reference points for students, teachers, activists, politicians, journalists.

featured lens Thought Provoking Lenses Headquarters

Some lenses really make you think. Some are purely educational or informational while others are controversial or entertaining. As long as it makes us think, then your lens belongs in this group!

Loss, Grief and Bereavement Lens is one of the Purple Cream of Squidoo Lenses 

The Purple Cream of Squidoo group is for the greatest Squidoo Success Stories, the cream from Seth's Purple Cow rising.

The Loss, Grief and Bereavement lens has risen to the top of the cream for the Purple Cream group.
featured lens The Purple Cream of Squidoo Headquarters

Loss, Grief and Bereavement is a Death & Dying Group Lens 

featured lens Death & Dying Headquarters

Death & Dying This group is for issues and lenses related to death and dying.

Featured Lens in the SquidKnol Group 

This Loss, Grief and Bereavement is a featured lens in the SquidKnol Group. It was my first SquidKnol Lens, created to share my expertise on the topic.
featured lens SquidKnol Group Headquarters

A group of Expert Lensmasters creating specialized Squidoo Lenses to enter resources into the world's database of information. This group is only open to members who made lens pages under the SquidKnol template.

Loss, Grief & Bereavement is a Member of these Wellness Groups 

featured lens Mind and Spirit Health Headquarters

Mind and Spirit Health Your body's health is merely a reflection of your MIND and SPIRIT alignment. This is a group of lenses that support PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, Mind Wellness and Spiritual Alignment. Come Play!

featured lens Stress Anxiety Depression Headquarters

Stress Anxiety Depression Lensmasters who provide information on stress, anxiety or depression and the many conditions that cause or accompany them.

featured lens Be Real - Be Healthy - Be Natural

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” - Thomas Edison Healthy You Naturally

featured lens The Wellness Club Headquarters

Wellness Club This group is devoted to all those folks who have an awareness in no matter which that can inspire wellness; an imperative resource of information about health and wellness of the mind, body, soul and spirit, with the submission of gui...

featured lens We focus on staying well Headquarters

We focus on staying healthy and well rather than relying on pharmaceutical drugs to try to recover what we have lost. We are a fast growing group and the aim is to get 100 active lenses by end of 2008 - please help us and participate.

Photo Credits 

Angel of Grief: Lucius Commons. Emelyn Story Tomba. Released to the Public Domain.

Alone in Her Grief: Roger Kirby. Alone amongst the dead. Royalty Free Use.

Grief is a Tidal Wave: Modified Microsoft Image

Am I Going Crazy? Dave Dyet. Scanner Fear 3. Royalty Free Use.

Same Loss - Different Grieving Styles. Modified from: Dez Pain. Abstract. Beach Haze. Royalty Free Use.

Carrying the Burden of Grief. Bobbi Dombrowski. Desolation. Royalty Free Use.

Breathe, Just Breathe. Shawn Zehnder Lea. Breathe. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved.

Time to Grieve. Image Source: Andreyutzu. Time. Royalty Free Use.

Piecing Together a New Life. Roger Hall. Weaving. Royalty Free Use.

Life Anew. Gisela Haase. Fern Spiral. Royalty Free Use.

Copyright Information 

Creative Commons License. Some rights reserved.



Creative Commons License © 1997-2008 Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution- Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

The material in this resource book may be copied and reproduced on websites or in newsletters, ezines provided that the Author's Biography information is included with any article.

Longer excerpts from this online resource book may not be copied, duplicated or reproduced for use in a for-profit setting without prior written permission by the author.

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Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor...

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