Grief & Loss in Adults

Life is filled with changes and these changes often involve a loss. Grief is a natural part of dealing with and healing from the loss. We obviously associate grieving with the loss of a loved one and all the necessary adjustments that accompany it. Tragedy and suffering are real pieces of life for which we are not prepared, and the subsequent grief and loss can be crippling.

However, a period of grief may stem from a variety of situations or transitions and may not always involve a death. Moving to a new home can be filled with feelings of loss as we experience the transition from familiar surroundings to new areas. The loss of a job or even the dream of a job can evoke a deep sense of loss and grief. Unmet expectations in life also stir up feelings of loss that need to be grieved.

Divorce, or marital separation, can cause compounded grief and a sense of loss that may include the loss of companionship, moving to a new home, and unmet expectations.

Even life’s normal transitions such as having children leave home or experiencing the loss of independence or health can bring on feelings of grief and loss. The elderly often feel great loss as they lose driving privileges or can no longer care for themselves.

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For further information:

Phases of Grief
Grief often presents in a series of phases that can be called a Grief Wheel as the feelings tend to be circular in nature. This article provides brief descriptions of each phase to help individuals to understand their own grief as well as the emotions and reactions of others.

How Can I Live with my Loss This booklet discusses the stages of grief that many people go through after a loss. [ODB Ministries]

Grief Bible Study [ACCFS]
The study consists of nine lessons and can be done individually, in small groups, and congregationally.

Coping with Grief and Loss
Understanding the grieving process. [HelpGuide.org]

Coping with Death and Grief and Helping Others Grieve
This is a link to a four-part series on grief covering: 1) Coping with Death and Grief, 2) Understanding the Grieving Process, 3) Grief, Trauma or Depression?, 4) Helping Loved Ones Grieve. [Focus on the Family]

The Undistracted Widow: Living for God after Losing Your Husband
Author: Carol W. Cornish
Discover how God is working in the midst of the deep distress of losing a spouse. She provides the reader with direction in finding true and lasting comfort in Christ. Cornish, who lost her husband of 38 years to lung cancer, encourages widows to use their widowhood for God’s glory.

 

Lessons on Grief Course
This Course provides community and discussion for those who have lost a loved one. Each of the eight lessons is centered on a theme often experienced by those who journey through grief. As a group walks through the lessons together, the teaching content, handouts, and videos will help facilitate a discussion among group members with the goal of providing help, hope, and growth.

 

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