Coping with Grief and Loss Lou Ann Hamilton,MSW, LCSW, Counselor Office of the Dean of Students...

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