260 Unit 3 CURRENTSOCIAL ANDEMOTIONALCONCERNS
continued from page 259Discussing the lost object or person can help the
client to identify and express the loss, what the
loss means to him or her, and his or her emotional
response.Feelings are not inherently bad or good. Giving
the client support for expressing feelings may
help the client to accept uncomfortable feelings.The client may fear the intensity of his or her
feelings.The client needs to identify and express the feel-
ings that underlie the rumination and to proceed
through the grief process.The client may be more comfortable discussing
spiritual issues with an advisor who shares his or
her belief system.Physical activity provides a way to relieve tension
in a healthy, nondestructive manner.The client needs to develop independent skills of
communicating feelings and to integrate the loss
into his or her daily life, while meeting his or her
own basic needs.The client needs to develop independent skills of
communicating feelings and expressing grief to
others.Encourage the client to recall experiences, talk
about what was involved in his or her relation-
ship with the lost person or object, and so forth.
Discuss with the client the changes in his or her
feelings toward self, others, and the lost person or
object as a result of the loss and grief process.Encourage appropriate (that is, safe) expression of
all feelings that the client has toward the lost per-
son or object and convey acceptance. Assure the
client that even “negative” feelings like anger and
resentment are normal and healthy in grieving.Convey to the client that although feelings may
be uncomfortable, they are natural and necessary
to this process, that he or she can withstand
having these feelings, and that the feelings will
not harm him or her.Discourage rumination if the client is dwelling on
his or her guilt or worthlessness. After listening
to the client’s feelings, tell the client you will talk
about other aspects of grief and feelings.Referral to the facility chaplain, clergy, or other
spiritual resource person may be indicated. En-
courage a connection with those in his or her life
who may be a source of support.Provide opportunities for the release of tension,
anger, guilt, and so forth through physical activi-
ties. Promote regular exercise as a healthy means
of dealing with stress and tension.Limit times and frequency of therapeutic interac-
tions with the client. Encourage independent,
spontaneous expression of feelings (writing, initi-
ating interactions with other clients or with other
staff members, getting involved in a physical ac-
tivity). Plan staff-initiated interactions at times
that allow the client to fulfill responsibilities (ac-
tivities, unit duties) and maintain personal care
(sleeping, eating, hygiene).Encourage the client to talk with others, individ-
ually and in small groups (larger as tolerated),
about the loss in terms of his or her own and
others’ feelings and about experiences and
changes resulting from the loss.