Episode 8: Understanding Loss

Karen Fisher (RN, BScN & the Director of Care at the Hospice Wellington in Guelph Ontario), a certified Palliative Care Nurse with over 10 years of experience, defines the various ways in which bereaved individuals may work through their loss. She explains the emotional, physical, behavioural, societal, and spiritual responses to grief. She explains key concepts that help us understand the difference between what might be considered a normal grief response in comparison to an acute grief response. Questions for Further Consideration: Have you experienced a significant loss in your life? How did it affect you? Think back to the various responses you may have had and reflect upon whether your reactions were emotional, physical, behavioural, societal, or spiritual. Which responses stand out for you? 2. What were some of the helpful ways others supported you in this time? Was it helpful to share your story with others? Typically people respond to this by saying they just needed to talk and be heard. A distressed caller often just needs to repeat their story and have someone there to validate the loss and the pain. Putting a label to what their emotions helps them feel someone cares while in this moment of grief. 3. There are many myths about grief; one is that grief should last about a year. Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. The length of time is purely individual and differs for each person. Reminder – Dr. Allan Wolfelt’s Six Needs of Mourners Acknowledging the loss - say it out loud Embracing the pain, “I’m hurting” and ignoring societal expectations regarding bereavement Remembering the person (or thing) who has left you Developing a new self-identity Searching for meaning but not to the extent of answering “Why?” Accepting and allowing support