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Understanding Loss

 

What you need to know about Understanding Loss
Coping With Loss Series No. 1
According to the authors of "How to Survive the Loss of a Love"

 

Types of Loss

There are various types of losses in life:
  • Obvious losses include death of a loved one, divorce, loss of job, etc.

  • Not so obvious losses include moving, loss of health, changing schools, etc.

  • Losses related to age include loss of childhood dreams, leaving school, loss of youth or beauty, retirement, menopause, etc.

  • Limbo losses may include temporary loss, i.e. partner on vacation or in the service; mini losses such as an unexpected dent in the car or having an argument.

Feelings of Loss

What loss feels like:
  • Obvious feelings of pain, depression, and sadness.

  • Feeling helpless, fearful, empty, despairing, pessimistic, irritable, angry, guilty or restless.

  • Loss of concentration, hope, motivation or energy.

  • Changes in appetite, sleep patterns or sexual drive.

  • A tendency to be more fatigued, error-prone or slower in speech and movement.

See next week’s PEP Talk for the stages of recovery & loss survival skills.