Lakpa Futi Bhote

Witing II 2150

Professor. Yitong 

12/04/23 

                                                   Cope with grief

Losing someone is an experience that we all have to face at some point. It causes pain and distress, which can frequently lead to the start of depression, an illness marked by ongoing emotions of despair and hopelessness. When a loved one passes away, the impact on our lives is profound. Our motivation gets drained, and we are less able to engage in things that we used to find enjoyable. Understanding this reality is critical for people who are grieving, as well as mental health professionals and support networks. The intended audience is those who going through the emotions of grief following the passing of someone. It also aims to reach out to health professionals and support systems that provide assistance to individuals dealing with the challenges of bereavement. It allows us to come up with strategies for dealing with these moments and to give support when needed.

What leads to grief?

When someone is going through the mourning process, it can be difficult to know what to say or do to help. Debbie Koenig’s article “The Grief Experience: A Survey Shows It’s Complicated” Elisabeth and Kubler Ross carried out an important research study on grieving. Individuals often go through five phases on their way to healing: denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. According to their survey, over half of the respondents (48%) rated these months as overwhelming. However, two-thirds (67%) recovered within a year. Surprisingly, studies show that people who have lost their pets tend to recover. They often experience grieving for less than six months, compared to 48% of those who have lost a close family member or friend and 45% who have grieved the loss of a friendship or relationship. When discussing the death of a loved one, it is critical to realize the wide-ranging influence that mental health has on people’s everyday lives. Whether it’s a family member or friend (84%), or a pet (81%), it’s more likely to produce depressing emotions. Those who have lost a friendship or a love connection, on the other hand, are more likely to suffer from depression (53%). Anger (48%). 47% of those who are grieving an illness have reported difficulties sleeping, which is a much higher rate than those who have lost a loved one (33%). The emotional effect of losing someone may lead to depression, which can appear in a variety of ways and have a long-term impact on everyday functioning. Having discussions about the health implications of grieving is crucial. These conversations foster understanding and empathy. Also, help identify support systems for those going through the grieving process. Acceptance is a stage in mourning where individuals come to terms with their loss and gradually adapt to life without their loved ones. While the pain of loss remains, acceptance allows people to rebuild their lives, find meaning, and reclaim a feeling of normalcy in their daily routines.

According to a majority of participants (76%), someone tried to uplift their spirits during this time, with 54% finding it successful. However, 36% felt that these efforts were ineffective. Sharing experiences of loss had an impact on well-being for 74% of respondents but was considered ineffective by 37%.

It’s important to recognize that the grieving process varies from person to person as each individual navigates it in their own way. Some may continue to experience sadness, while others may progress through the stages.

The Impact of Grief on Physical Health

Grieving not only has an impact on our emotional well-being, but it can also have an impact on our physical health. Sleep difficulties are one of the consequences.

People who are grieving often experience racing thoughts and mood swings due to their loss, making it challenging for them to fall asleep or stay asleep. According to a research paper “Grief and Its Effect on Sleep” by Danielle Pacheco, it is believed that 43% of individuals in mourning may experience a loss of appetite, which could have consequences for their overall health. Additionally, those who find themselves in a state following a loss are more likely to develop grief and severe depression, further disrupting their sleep patterns.

The passing of a loved one brings about changes in lifestyle, such as instability or feelings of insecurity, which can disrupt the quality of sleep. Grieving individuals often reduce their activity and social interactions, both of which can negatively impact the quality of their sleep. A decrease in activity resulting from reduced engagement tends to enhance sleep. Furthermore, feelings of loneliness that are commonly experienced during bereavement have been found to affect sleep quality.

Lack of rest can worsen the difficulties involved with the grieving process; nevertheless, regular sleep can help individuals manage their feelings of depression. As a result, therapy strategies that address both grief and sleeping issues are commonly proposed as a form of relief from symptoms.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia provides recommendations for enhancing the quality of sleep. These suggestions involve ensuring a dim, cool, and tranquil sleeping environment, refraining from using devices before bedtime, limiting daytime napping, avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the afternoon, and maintaining a consistent exercise routine.

Dangers of Grief

Recognizing and processing grief is incredibly important, as it allows individuals to navigate the mix of emotions that arise after losing someone they love. Failing to do so can have an impact on a person’s mental well-being, potentially leading to depression and significantly affecting their day-to-day life. By acknowledging and working through grief, people can move towards acceptance, healing, and finding ways to remember and honor their loved ones. The passage titled “Losing a loved one can be life-threatening” by Tara Law emphasizes the influence of grief on an individual’s health, underscoring the potential dangers it poses. The main point conveyed is that losing a loved one not only causes pain but can also pose significant threats to a person’s physical well-being. The intended audience is encouraged to understand the importance of grieving and its effects, with a potential focus on those dealing with loss or caring for individuals going through experiences.

The author demonstrates how grief can increase the chance of death from heart failure based on evidence and scientific studies. which is also known as the “widowhood effect,” has been supported by reasoning and evidence indicating that the risk of death increases significantly in the week following the death of a loved one. Krisztina Laszlo, a professor in the public department highlights that the data reveals different signs of grief’s significant impact. For instance, losing a loved one is related to an increased chance of death. What is significant is that in cases where family members die due to circumstances, there is still a link between grieving and an increased probability of death rates. For Instance, the loss of a spouse or partner resulted in a 20% chance of risk. The loss of a child increased it by 10% while the loss of a sibling raised it by 13%. Surprisingly the loss of a parent did not contribute to this increased risk. If an individual encountered two losses within the study period their risk escalated by 35% whereas a single loss led to a 28% heightened risk.

Ways to deal with grief

Dealing with the challenges of losing a loved one and experiencing depression can have effects on our lives. The intense emotions of pain and sadness can make it challenging for us to maintain relationships, which may lead to feelings of isolation. We might also find ourselves withdrawing from events and facing difficulties expressing our emotions. It can be challenging for friends and family to fully understand and empathize with what we’re going through, which can strain those connections. Ultimately, these strained relationships only intensify the sense of loneliness, making it even harder to cope with life.

When dealing with the emotions that come after such a loss, finding ways to cope becomes essential. According to the therapist, some people seek peace in their beliefs by praying or participating in community activities. Following their faith’s bereavement rituals might help bring people together in shared pain and provide some measure of peace. Finding comfort and meaning in times of loss can be achieved through means such as reading, prayer, meditation, or seeking guidance from leaders. Some individuals may choose to attend counseling or therapy sessions as a way to openly express their emotions and receive support. Seeking comfort from understanding friends and family members who are willing to listen and provide support can also aid in the process of grieving and embarking on the path to healing. Initiating conversations with those who genuinely care about us is a step towards healing, even if not everyone fully comprehends our grief. Many people are eager to offer their support without feeling burdened by our openness. Talking about our feelings helps us come to terms with the pain and find ways to honor the memory of our departed ones.

Experience with Grief

From other individual’s perspectives, moving forward while honoring the memory of a loved one requires strength and resilience. It involves acknowledging the pain and sorrow while also finding ways to celebrate and remember the person we have lost. By integrating their memory into our lives through traditions or taking moments for reflection, we can navigate through the challenges of grief. Gradually, heal our wounded hearts. In this article, Lisa shares her journey of coping with the loss and grief she experienced after her father’s passing. The author’s emotions surrounding her father’s death hold weight and cause contemplation. Through her journey, she shows the importance and the value of family, cherishing memories, and nurturing connections. With a tone that alternates between offering advice, expressing grief, and sharing lessons learned from encounters, the intended audience appears to be individuals who are dealing with the loss of their loved ones, or perhaps the author’s younger self. Lisa encourages readers to value and embrace every moment with their loved ones, emphasizing both the nature of time and the priceless essence of these relationships.

Lisa’s deep emotions after losing her father, along with the impact of missed chances and regrets, are very apparent. They passionately urge the audience to treasure the moment and the people in their lives. The author skillfully employs descriptions to establish a connection with their readers. Drawing from their experiences, they express remorse over lost opportunities. Emphasize the significance of family bonds. By sharing their journey, they inspire others to value inconsequential moments that can hold great importance in the future. Additionally, the author’s message underscores how self-reflection and reliance on oneself are vital for finding happiness. Through their father’s illness and passing, they highlight the value of self-discovery and inner strength in shaping one’s happiness while recognizing the importance of connections. The heartfelt advice intertwined with this journey aims to impart wisdom and encourage readers to prioritize love, cherish relationships, and discover resilience amidst life’s hardships.

In conclusion, when someone we love passes away, it deeply affects our well-being and everyday functioning. The experience of loss often leads to feelings of depression that can influence aspects of our lives, such as sleep patterns, appetite, and concentration. It is essential for those going through grief to seek support and professional assistance in order to manage their emotions and regain stability in their routines.

Research Prospectus (10%)

1. Building Critical Mass

The first part of building critical mass involves infotention — the practice of filtering through large quantities of information from the “collective intelligence” of the web and distilling the good stuff.

This means reading, re-reading, and more reading.

This process is by far the most arduous. You will encounter multiple false-leads, dead-ends — it is all part of the research/writing process. 

Part of the frustration is non-linear nature of this process. Think of it as building the haystack before extracting the needle. However, once you reach critical mass, the process (including writing the essay) is mostly downhill. 

Another way to look at it: Reaching critical mass means that you will have sufficiently digested the materials you have gathered and are ready to argue your position.

Exercise: complete at least five tables (one for each source). 

What is the title of your source?

“The Grief Experience: Survey Shows It’s Complicated” by Debbie Koenig

Copy and Paste the Abstract of your source. If no abstract is available, summarize in your own words what the source is about.

The article explores the emotions and experiences individuals undergo during the grieving process. It seems that many participants commonly mentioned feelings of sadness and depression which can significantly impact their lives. The specific symptoms they experienced varied depending on the type of loss they had encountered, affecting both their appetite and emotional well being. These are the minor symptoms most individuals had gone through during the grieving process.

In your own words, what is the author’s thesis (position)?

The author’s thesis is how grief can slowly impact in our life from different aspect.

In your own words, what are the subclaims made by the author? In other words, how does the author substantiate or defend their position?

The author mentions how they can encounter with their appetite and not being able to function emotionally.

Key quotes: list and cite (page ref.) at least three quotes from the source that you think may be useful for your essay.

“those who mourned lost relationships were the most likely to have extended grief, with 20% saying it had lasted more than a year. Emotionally, this group was more likely to have depression (53%) and anger (48%) than any other group.They were also likely to have changes in appetite (54%) and more likely to have stomachaches (41%)” “Nearly half of those mourning a serious illness (47%) reported a hard time sleeping,.. Emotionally, this group of people who lost friends grief was more likely to have depression (53%) and anger (48%) than any other group.” “When someone you know is grieving, it can be hard to know what to say — and how it is interpreted. “

What key sources does the author rely upon? List at least three. (Useful for further research)

“those who mourned lost relationships were the most likely to have extended grief, with 20% saying it had lasted more than a year. Emotionally, this group was more likely to have depression (53%) and anger (48%) than any other group.They were also likely to have changes in appetite (54%) and more likely to have stomachaches (41%)” – Sadness and depression are often present, but other symptoms such as anger, guilt, and anxiety may also arise. These emotions can vary in intensity and duration depending on the individual and the nature of their loss. Additionally, individuals may experience physical symptoms such as changes in appetite and sleep patterns. It is important to seek support during this time and to engage in self-care practices to help manage these symptoms.

Research Prospectus (10%)

1. Building Critical Mass

The first part of building critical mass involves infotention — the practice of filtering through large quantities of information from the “collective intelligence” of the web and distilling the good stuff.

This means reading, re-reading, and more reading.

This process is by far the most arduous. You will encounter multiple false-leads, dead-ends — it is all part of the research/writing process. 

Part of the frustration is non-linear nature of this process. Think of it as building the haystack before extracting the needle. However, once you reach critical mass, the process (including writing the essay) is mostly downhill. 

Another way to look at it: Reaching critical mass means that you will have sufficiently digested the materials you have gathered and are ready to argue your position.

Exercise: complete at least five tables (one for each source). 

What is the title of your source?

-Grief and Its Effect on Sleep- Danielle Pacheco

Copy and Paste the Abstract of your source. If no abstract is available, summarize in your own words what the source is about.

This article talks about the relationship between grieving and disruptions in sleep highlighting how the things we do and the people we interact with, during this period can affect the quality of our sleep. Moreover it explores how feelings of loneliness that often accompany the loss of a loved one can impact our sleep. The main goal of this article is to offer support and information to individuals who are currently experiencing grief.

In your own words, what is the author’s thesis (position)?

The author’s thesis is to show grief can effect your sleep which lead to effecting other emotion such as anger, sadness etc.

In your own words, what are the subclaims made by the author? In other words, how does the author substantiate or defend their position?

Many individuals struggle with sleep during their grief, which can lead to them being more moody and showing others negative emotions such as anger or being depressive emotions towards others.

Key quotes: list and cite (page ref.) at least three quotes from the source that you think may be useful for your essay.

“Poor sleep quality is not a diagnostic feature of complicated grief, but it may increase one’s risk of developing complicated grief. “ ” poor sleep can worsen outcomes for individuals with grief. By the same token, good sleep can help individuals cope with the grieving process..” “Thoughts of their loved one keep them from falling asleep in the first place. Then, once they do fall asleep, they have trouble sleeping through the night due to dreaming about the deceased.”

What key sources does the author rely upon? List at least three. (Useful for further research)

This article explores how the process of grieving can disrupt sleep patterns and consequently impact a persons well being. The target audience, for this piece includes individuals who have recently suffered a loss and are grappling with the challenges that accompany grief. Furthermore it offers insights into how grieving affects both sleep quality and general physical health.