Loss of a Loved One and the Impact of Bereavement
Researching Loss
Use this text book: Judith Murray (2016). Understanding Loss: A Guide for Caring for Those Facing Adversity.
LITERATURE REVIEW & REFLECTION (35 points) – In this 5-7 page written research and reflection assignment, the student will have the opportunity to research and discuss a specific type of loss that individuals experience and the appropriate interventions utilized. The student will choose a topic that may relate to their own interests or new found interests that they want to explore (ex: unexpected grief due to a miscarriage, pet loss, etc.).
The student will identify at least five (5) sources (at least two (2) journal articles) that explore the topic. Also, the student should use (cite) the textbook for information and/or reflection.
Include the Following:
Identify a loss-- for example, a type of loss experienced by a particular client population (ex., AIDS, illness, separation, death, miscarriage).
Investigate the research and literature (this must include research journal articles and the textbook).
Discuss the impact it has on an individual, community and social level, and the response at all levels (if applicable).
Discuss what the research knows or does not know about the topic.
For example, limited research due to the diverse population, etc.
Describe interventions (immediate and long-term), found in research (articles, text, class) and what has been determined as successful.
Address cultural factors and any shifts in the trends or future implications for the field.
Along with the literature review, the student should discuss their own reflection and growth from the beginning of the term.
Loss
Student’s Name
University
Course Name and Number
Lecturer’s Name
Due Date
Loss of a Loved One
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things people experience. Sometimes it hurts so badly that someone may see no need to live anymore. Everyone who has lost a loved one understands the pain that comes with it, even though bereavement is an inevitable part of life. Whether it is a close friend, a parent, a child, a partner, a spouse, or a relative, the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming (Murray, 2015). It comes with waves of intense and very difficult emotions, ranging from deep sorrow, emptiness and despair to shock, guilt, numbness, or regret (Keyes et al., 2014). One might rage at the circumstances of their loved one’s death, blaming themselves, God or physicians. They might even feel in denial, finding it difficult to accept that the person is gone or struggling to cope with the grief.
Most bereaved individuals are subjected to emotional and psychological problems, including stress, anxiety and depression (Seiler et al., 2020). Coming out of these experiences takes time-based on the relationship with the dead. Loss of a loved one is not limited to emotional and mental responses. It can also trigger physical reactions such as weight and appetite changes, sleeping difficulty, pains and aches, and an impaired immune system, resulting in other health problems (Seiler et al., 2020). Sometimes, life may never be the same after losing a loved one. Because bereavement comes with deep sorrow and emotional reactions, individuals affected should realize appropriate coping methods to improve their health and well-being (Murray, 2015). Interventions should encourage the bereaved to look at the future with hope and optimism while learning to move forward with their lives.
Impact of Bereavement on Individual, Community and Social Level
Losing a loved one is considered the most stressful and most severe traumatic experience. It places individuals at risk of emotional, mental and physical health problems. According to Keyes et al. (2014) death of a loved one is associated with heightened vulnerability to the onset of common psychiatric disorders, including major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder. Studies have shown that losing a loved one engenders separation distress, with a yearning for the person, which could potentially trigger the onset of mood or anxiety disorder (Keyes et al., 2014).
Bereavement of a loved one is usually succeeded by more emotional distress and adjustment problems, as well as greater pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and depression (Murray, 2015). Immediately after death, those left behind often feel shocked, numb and in denial, especially if the death was sudden (Seiler et al., 2020). When they begin understanding the reality of death, they can experience intense sadness, loneliness and anger or guilt. The feelings can be constant, painful and overwhelming. Emotionally, individuals may have difficulty concentrating or enjoying their daily activities. They might drink, abuse drugs, or have suicidal thoughts.
Physically, grief can be exhausting, leading to a weak immune system. This makes individuals vulnerable to colds and other illnesses. Losing a loved one can also affect an individual's appetite and lead to weight changes (Seiler et al., 2020). Additionally, it can affect sleep and lead to headaches and body aches.
To cope with grief at the individual level, the bereaved can seek support groups such as bereavement groups. Bereavement groups bring together individuals who have lost their loved ones to share their ideas and experiences on handling grief. These groups subject individuals to a talk session where they find relief after sharing their sorrow with others who have experienced similar losses. Individuals can also cope by connecting with friends, families, and relatives who care about them (Murray, 2015). Talking to a therapist, a grief counselor or a mental health professional with experience in grief counselling can also help overcome grief challenges. In addition to the above strategies, the bereaved may engage in regular physical exercises such as walking, running, dancing, and yoga. New research suggests that exercise can help individuals cope with grief by alleviating anxiety, depression and PTSD (Williams et al., 2021). Exercise can provide emotional distraction and escape from grief.
At the community level, death disrupts the dynamic equilibrium of social life because it creates a social vacuum that no one can fill. For instance, a community may lose a person they feel is important to society, such as a philanthropist or a doctor. When these individuals die, they leave a social gap that may be difficult to fill based on their work in the community. The death of these individuals is normally received with sorrow, knowing that it would take time to find someone like them.
Death may cause withdrawal and isolation at the social level, affecting socialization. The bereaved often tend to have less energy to s...