GRIEF
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Grief is known as the pain accompanying loss or change. With how common it is for people to experience grief, it is essential to understand the inner workings of what they are going to and how to best support someone who is grieving. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about grief. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Grief:
The pain accompanying loss or change, not limited to death.
Bereavement:
The period of grief that takes place after death; mourning is the public expression of this grief.
Stages of Grief:
A framework for understanding our feelings when we experience grief. Initially there were 5 stages - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Now shock and testing have been added.
Guilt:
A feeling one may have while grieving where they believe they could have done more (though not necessarily true that they could have). Can also manifest in the form of survivor’s guilt after a traumatic event.
End of Life Services/Care:
Encompasses different types of support a person and their families may receive toward the end of their life, such as Hospice Care, Palliative Care, or seeing an End-of-life Doula.
Moments In History
300,000 years ago - the 1st documented funeral rites were h.
1994 - Andres Escobar murdered after FIFA World Cup loss.
2022 - Prolonged Grief Disorder is included in the DSM-5.
February 3, 1959 - Plane crash kills Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & J.P. Richardson
AKA ‘The Day the Music Died’.
September 11, 2001 - World Trade Center & related attacks prompt a nation to grieve.
Statistics
26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, according to 2022 research estimates from Inspira Health Network.
Causes of Grief:
32% loved one's death
31% serious illness
29% pet
8% other, according to a 2019 survey conducted by WebMD.
According to a study from Utrecht University, after 18 months of grieving, bereavement counseling has been shown to be a beneficial intervention.
Grief Symptoms People Experience:
Physical: 59% Fatigue, 48% Change in Appetite
Emotional: 76% Sadness, 43% Depression,
according to a 2019 survey conducted by WebMD.
68% of Americans want more open dialogue on grief, according to New York Life’s 2022 State of Grief Report.
Values
Holding Space
Time
Accepting Sadness
Patience
Love
Notable Names
Mary-Frances O’Connor
Joe Biden
Nora McInerny
Elmo
Sigmund Freud
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Grief Infographic
Share what you have learned about Grief. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Much-To-Discuss Event Video
Our networking event was insightful and fun! Grief-related Scavenger Hunt and Trivia drive this informative event. Attendees gain insight about grief, while also getting to know and share their own knowledge with peers. You can also make an event out of it yourself by hosting your own Much To Discuss Watch: Grief Discussion Party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use)
Take Action
Familiarize yourself with the types of grief such as: Anticipatory, Abbreviated, Delayed, Inhibited, Cumulative, Collective, Ambiguous, Disenfranchised, Traumatic
Ask others about their cultural, familial, or personal practices and traditions surrounding death and grief.
Practice self-care which can include giving yourself permission to take things slow, talking about your grief, and joining a support group.
Research different models of grief such as Tonkin’s Growing Around Grief Model as well as the more well-known Kübler-Ross (5 stages) Model.
Share our Grief Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!