The Stressful Effects Of Grief: The Stressful Effects Of Grief

The Stressful Effects of Grief

This paper explores the stress related to grief. The loss of a loved one is considered one of the most stressful experiences that people experience during the course of their lives. In addition to common reactions to grief, an initial increase in depression, that gradually subsides, several other types of grief will be discussed. Stress according to Richard Lazarus “is the result of a determination that a demand exceeds resources available to meet the demand. Consequently, the demand is elevated as a threat. The loss of a loved one no matter how expected is accompanied by stress.” For the purpose of this paper the stressor is death.

Grief

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary “grief is a deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement.” “Grief (bereavement) is the emotional and physical response to the death of a loved one” Ringold, S. (2005). Grief. JAMA, 293(21), 2686. Grief can be expressed in a number of ways depending on the circumstances of the death and the relationship to the deceased. Grief is generally associated with the loss of a loved one but any loss can cause grief, such as: divorce, loss of health, financial loss, death of a pet,

You may feel anticipatory grief if you’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness or for a loved one who is dying. A person suffering from anticipatory grief according to Lindenn “is so concerned with their adjustment after the potential death that they go through all phases of grief - depression, heightened pre-occupation with the object of their loss, a review of all the forms of death which may befall them, and anticipation of the modes of readjustment which might be necessitated by it.” A person can experience relief from chronic stress when the loss is due to terminal illness, where intensive caregiving was required, resulting in improved physical and psychological health during