Exercise; GÇ£WHAT'S IN YOUR GRIEF BUCKETGÇ¥ (PDF)

Do Your Homework~ Exercise: “WHAT’S IN YOUR GRIEF BUCKET”? This exercise will take 5-10 minutes. Here are some common grief reactions in adults. Circle which are true for you at this time. Adapted from San Diego Hospice and Men Don’t Cry, Women Do: Transcending Gender Stereotypes of Grief, Martin & Doka BEHAVIORAL crying sobbing wailing difficulty crying sitting quietly staying busy to avoid emotion avoiding situations that provoke grief talking aloud to loved one energy is channeled into activities looking at photos and videos of loved one keeping a home altar carrying loved one’s belongings wearing loved one’s clothes repeatedly visiting ash site or cemetery EMOTIONAL shock, numbness sadness, sorrow guilt, regret anger, rage emptiness relief irritability restlessness listlessness insecurity betrayal resentment desire to join loved one feeling helpless feeling out of control SOCIAL difficulty relating to old friends making new friends isolation alienation shifting roles new responsibilities not wanting to burden others withdrawing from activities low desire for conversation holding grief in to help others difficulty relating to those who aren’t grieving MENTAL denial disbelief forgetfulness confusion disorientation difficulty concentrating shortened attention span minimal motivation retelling story of death memories of past losses dreams or images of loved one expecting to hear from loved one SPIRITUAL mystery & wonder questions about afterlife & mortality questions about God & higher power affirmation of spiritual/religious beliefs doubting spiritual/religious beliefs questions about the whereabouts of loved one sensing the presence of loved one PHYSICAL upset stomach pain exhaustion sleep changes appetite changes dry mouth muscle tension clumsiness low energy shortness of breath tightness in chest tightness in throat agitation sensitivity to light, smells, sounds