Understanding the Grief Cycle Introduction Activity Families are

Understanding the Grief Cycle

Introduction Activity

Families are Interconnected When things are going well…

Families are Interconnected When things are out of balance…

The Good Grief cycle Denial Not me! 1 3 Shock Shame What will people think? 5 Handicap is diagnosed Panic What will happen to my child? What will I do? 7 Acceptance Hope There will be days filled with anger and grief and days when I will feel strength. Perhaps we will get through this. 10 2 Depression I can't go on. . . what's the use? 4 Guilt If only I'd not taken pills, etc. 6 Isolation I must protect my child from people. 8 Anger Why me? 11 9 Bargaining Just let me get through this. . then no more please! Source: Jeanne Mendoza, Ph. D. , (1989) SEARCH: Exploring the Systems of Family Support. San Diego State University, Special Education Department. San Diego, CA. Family Consultant Training Section 3/Family Systems & Ecology Sep 96 -22. cdr

Shock Occurs when the child is first diagnosed and may reoccur as new problems are identified or as the child misses developmental milestones.

Depression The family may be unable to deal with people offering help or advice.

Denial The family may not be ready to discuss the disability. They may blame others for the problem.

Guilt, Shame, Isolation The family may avoid friends, and service providers. They may want to protect and isolate their child.

Panic The family may get on an endless round of looking for a cure for the disability.

Anger The family may lash out at caregivers over minor things like lost clothing.

Hope and Bargaining The family may be willing to work with providers to develop some workable alternatives for their child, but may only be able to deal with certain issues.

Acceptance The family may be at a point where they understand that their will be good and bad days in how they feel about their child.

Activity 4. 3 Quiz on Grief Cycle With a partner, complete the quiz in your notebook.

Activity 4. 4 View Videotape v Refer to your discussion guide as you watch this tape.

Coping Strategies v Passive Appraisal v Reframing v Spiritual Support v Social Support v Professional Support

Activity 4. 5 v What are the local resources for families in your community? v How can families locate them?