Category: Mental Health

  • Grief / Bereavement

    Mental Health

    Grief is a deep sadness or sorrow that results from a loss. The loss can be a major or minor one. It can result from something positive or negative. Bereavement is grieving most often linked with the death of a loved one.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Stages of Grief

    1. Shock.

    You feel dazed or numb.

    2. Denial and searching.

    *  You are in a state of disbelief.

    *  You ask questions, such as, “Why did this happen?” or “Why didn’t I prevent this?”

    *  You look for ways to keep your loved one or loss with you.

    *  You think you see or hear the deceased person.

    *  You begin to feel that the loss is real.

    3. Suffering and disorganization.

    *  You feel guilty, anxious, depressed, lonely, afraid, etc.

    *  You may place blame on everyone and everything.

    *  You may get physical symptoms. These include headaches, stomachaches, constant fatigue, and/or shortness of breath.

    *  You withdraw from routine and social contacts.

    4. Recovery and acceptance.

    *  You begin to look at the future instead of dwelling on the past.

    *  You adjust to the reality of the loss.

    *  You develop new relationships.

    *  You develop a positive attitude.

    Grieving the loss of a loved one can last weeks, months, or years.

    Causes

    *  A new or lost job, a promotion, demotion, or retirement.

    *  Relationship changes, such as getting divorced or having a child leave home.

    *  An illness, injury, and/or disability.

    *  The death of a family member or friend. Loss of property. Moving to a new place.

    Factors that shape a person’s response to a loss, such as death include:

    *  Age, gender, and health.

    *  How sudden the loss was.

    *  Cultural background. Religious beliefs.

    *  Finances.

    *  Social network.

    *  History of other losses or traumatic events.

    Each of these factors can add to or reduce the pain of grieving.

    Treatment

    Understanding the normal stages of grief, the passage of time, and self-care measures treat most cases of grief. When these are not enough, counseling can help.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  Eat regular meals.

    *  Get regular physical activity.

    *  Allow friends and family to help you. Don’t hold your feelings inside. State how you really feel. Visit them, especially during the holidays, if you would otherwise be alone. Travel during the holidays if this helps.

    *  Share and maintain memories of a lost loved one. Being reminded of the past can help with the process of coming to grips with a loss.

    *  Try not to make major life changes, such as moving during the first year of grieving.

    *  Join a support group for the bereaved. People and places to contact include your EAP representative, your student counseling center, churches or synagogues, funeral homes, and hospice centers.

    *  Adopt a pet.

    *  Read self-help books about grief and death.

    Resources

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Manger Anger

    Mental Health

    Don’t let mental wrath create physical problems.

    “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha

    Too much or chronic anger can lead to depression, headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, or problems with alcohol or drugs. It can also trigger domestic violence, property damage, or road rage.

    Learn to manage anger.

    Managing your anger can enhance emotional well-being and lead to a happier, healthier life.

    *  Share your anger with a trusted friend, family member, teacher, etc.

    *  Express your feelings in ways that don’t offend or  accuse others.

    *  Keep a record of reasons and times you have too much anger. You may start to see patterns that can be changed.

    *  Channel your energy in positive ways. Write poetry, clean out your cabinets, or take a walk.

    *  Distract yourself. Play music.

    *  Learn to accept things that you cannot change, such as traffic jams.

    *  Lighten up. Look for humor in situations that result  in anger.

    *  Meditate or do yoga.

    *  Think before you act or speak.

    *  Eat healthy foods and don’t skip meals.

    Signs of anger:

    *  Feeling restless

    *  Clenched teeth

    *  Trembling lips or hands

    *  Increased heart rate or blood pressure

    *  Yelling. Slamming doors.

    *  Being less productive

    *  Sleeping problems

    *  Violent outbursts

    Action Step

    If anger interferes with your day-to-day life or has caused physical or emotional harm to you or someone else, seek help from your doctor or a mental health care provider.

    ays to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine