How to Teach the Grief Process

If your friend loses a loved one or loses a job, you may search desperately for methods to help your friend cope with the loss. You can rely on your past experiences, or you can draw on the expertise of professionals who understand the grieving process. By exploring common theories and recent research, you can teach others to cope with loss and find the motivation to move forward with their lives.

Things You'll Need

• Kübler-Ross grief cycle, showing stages of grief (see resources)

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Instructions

How to Teach the Grief Process

• 1

  Emphasize that grief follows naturally after the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job or a dream. The greater the loss, the greater the impact you will feel.

• 2

  Note that everyone grieves differently; some need months while others need longer to process the loss. However, those experiencing negative feelings that interfere with life beyond six months may need to consider professional treatment.

• 3

  Outline common theories about the grieving process. The most common is the Kübler-Ross cycle of grief, describing the emotions of patients close to death; the sequence includes denying the reality, expressing anger, bargaining for a different outcome, falling into depression and finally accepting the reality. Experts expanded Kübler-Ross's theory to explain the grieving process for many forms of loss.

• 4

  Explain new ideas about the grieving process. If people feel that their grief process should follow certain steps, they may have unrealistic expectations. Not everyone follows the steps that theories have suggested, and some mourners remain in several stages at the same time. For grief resulting from death, reactions to bereavement may vary, depending on the cause: deaths resulting from accidents, rather than anticipated causes, may result in less acceptance.

• 5

  Note that that yearning, not sadness, becomes the primary negative emotion after a major loss. In contrast to accepted theories, some researchers have noted that acceptance emerges frequently and early during the process.

• 6

  Describe common symptoms of grief, such as guilt, disbelief, fear, religious doubt, weight fluctuation, nausea and insomnia. As you explain the universality of these symptoms, you may help others cope.

• 7

  Stress the importance of seeking support through friendships, church ministry or therapy. At the same time, mourners must express their feelings and should not allow others to take charge. Emphasize to your listeners that controlling physical health can also impact mental health.