Life After Loss: Conquering Grief and Finding Hope

Foreword by Larry Dossey, M.D.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
ONE: EARLY GRIEF EXPERIENCES
Prebirth Influences
Birth Leaves an Imprint
Early Attachment, Separation, and Grief
Introduction to the Concept of Death
Personal Existence
The Child Still Responds
Updating the Little Child
TWO: THE STRESS OF GRIEF
Defining Stress
Purpose and Levels of Stress
Three Phases of Stress
Transformative Power of Stress
THREE: GRIEF CARRIES STRONG EMOTIONS
Defining Grief, Mourning, and Bereavement
Emotions Hold a Positive Purpose
Abandonment
Anger
Anxiety and Panic
Depression
Disappointment
Fear
Frustration
Grief
Guilt
Shame
Isolation
Envy
Love
Regret
Relief
Resignation or Acceptance
FOUR: THE MANY FACES OF LOSS
Age of the Loved One
Age of the Survivors
Grief History
Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Health
Cultural Influences
Family Dynamics
Relationships
Gender
Manner of Death
Meaning in the Loss
Personal History
Personality
Materialism
Religion
Spirituality
Social Support
Professional Support
FIVE: GIVING AND RECEIVING SYMPATHY
Timing
Inappropriate Statements
Projection
Entering Their World
Terminology
Sympathy via Letters and E-mail
Internet Support
Keep It Simple
Practical Support
Responding to Uncomfortable Statements
Sympathizers’ Intentions
The Mourner’s Intention
SIX: FUNCTIONAL VERSUS DYSFUNCTIONAL GRIEF
Fixated Grief
Denial
Conscious Denial
Unconscious Denial
Reversibility of the Loss
Mementos
Assuming the Characteristics of the Deceased
Reproduced Medical Symptoms
Searching for the Deceased
Mistaking Others
Emotions in Disguise
Anniversary Reactions
Replicated Loss
SEVEN: ADJUSTING TO THE LOSS
Influence of the Kennedy Assassination
Diana’s Influence
Funerals
Theories
Active Approaches
Intention-Oriented Process
Balance
Coping with Grief-Related Stress
Time-Out
Nurturing the Soul
Create Rituals
EIGHT: TRANSCENDING LOSS
Grief Throws Its Curve
Transcendence
The Tragedy of a Hardened Heart
Personal Models
Transcendence—Raymond’s Story
Transcendence—Dianne’s Story
Can Survivors Leave Their Grief Behind?
NINE: THE BLESSINGS RECEIVED FROM LOSS
All Human Beings
Celebrate Our Differences
Appreciation Is Heightened
Clarification of Self
Passion Is Enriched
Desire to Serve Others
Gain Sensitivity
Finiteness of Life
Fragility of the Human Body
Humility
Less Materialistic
Lessons
Love Is the Link
Mortality Faced
Relationships Enhanced
Spirituality Increased
Wisdom Is Acquired
A Sense of Immortality
Transcendence
TEN: WE WILL SEE THEM AGAIN
Near-Death Experiences
Death Sense
Death Coincidents
Characteristics of Death Coincidents
Evidence for Survival of Bodily Death
SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES
Articles, Pamphlets, and Magazines
Books
Journals, Magazines, and Newsletters
Internet
Associations, Organizations, and Services
Glossary
Works Consulted
Notes
Searchable Terms
About the Author
Copyright
About the Publisher