Program 4 - Good Grief: Personal Discussions of Losses and Healthy Ways of Coping³¹

A two-hour small-group interactive presentation

Possible venues for the presentation:

• Discussions in a hospital education program
• Employee assistance plan
• Senior centers and community centers, mental-health centers, housing sites, adult-education classes

Presenter Introduction

Why This Topic?

Often grieving the loss of a job, the ability to drive a car, and, of course, loss of a loved one can result in responses that seriously affect an older person's ability to function in daily activities. The help of professionals in identifying grief, describing our responses and finding healthy expressions of the loss can lead to a new definition of mental well-being for the bereaved. The danger of grief is intense depression and suicide. This program may help identify individuals at risk. Facilitators must keep alert to any indications from participants that they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, and make appropriate referrals during the break or at the close of class.

How Do You Prepare for the Talk?

Before presenting this topic, ask yourself how you have dealt with or are currently dealing with your own losses and grief. Take time to think about your expressions of grief and your comfort level in discussing how others express theirs. Remember that participants must develop their own paths to coping with loss. Foster freedom of personal expression through listening.

Consider how you will ensure that the session will end on a positive note. Select an inspiring reading or a good joke. You can take notes of the positive points that participants discuss during the session to quote in your wrap-up.

What Do You Need to Bring or Arrange for the Session?

Prepare a packet of information on resources for each participant. The packet can include lists, pamphlets and cards of organizations, help lines, or counselors in your community who can help in times of a grief crisis or can provide ongoing assistance and caring.

You also may invite an exercise instructor to lead stretching exercises, or a social worker to discuss grief and bereavement resources.

How Do You Set the Stage for the Talk?

In setting up your room for a talk, take into consideration that some may feel more comfortable sitting side-by-side and not in a circle facing each other. "Theater-style," with or without tables, sets the atmosphere of the room as an educational session and not a "therapeutic" group. Consider also that the chairs may be rearranged as the discussions proceed.

Goals and Objectives

At the close of this session, participants will be able to:

1. List three common responses to loss.
2. Identify at least three activities that assist in the healing process and select one to integrate into daily routine.
3. Develop a personal grief-healing ritual.

Session Outline

1. Introduction: Losses - We All Have Them
    
2. What Are Our Losses, and How Have We Dealt with Them?
    
3. You're Not Crazy, It's Called Grief
    
4. Taking Action: What You Can Do To Help Yourself Through the Process
    
5. Healthy Ways of Coping with Loss in Your Life

³¹ This program is adapted from the successfully presented program developed by Salt Lake County (Utah) Healthy Aging program with its permission.