Table 6.
Ability to Cope with Grief | Quality of Life and Mental Wellbeing |
---|---|
Negative and overwhelming grief • Feelings of loneliness and emptiness • Feelings of blame, guilt, anger, bitterness, regret • Overwhelming thoughts and/or nightmares about loss • Preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased |
Participation in work and/or other regular activities • Ability to perform daily tasks • Ability to participate in work • Ability to participate in social activities |
Communication and connectedness • Ability to express feelings openly and honestly • Feeling understood by and connected with other bereaved people |
Relationships and social functioning • Ability to function as part of a family • Relationships with friends and family |
Understanding, accepting and finding meaning in grief • Acceptance of grief experiences as normal • Understanding, acceptance, finding meaning in loss • Positive reminiscence and remembering of the deceased |
Positive mental wellbeing • Sense of meaning and purpose in life • Optimism and hopefulness |
Finding balance between grief and life going forwards • Ability to find balance and channel grief • Ability to take control/ look ahead and start to move forward with life |
Negative mental & emotional state • Anxiety (feelings of tension, nervousness, panic and distress) • Depression (a sense of hopelessness, pessimism, periods of crying) • Suicidal thoughts |
Accessing appropriate support • Accessing emotional support if needed • Accessing practical support if needed |