Sudden Loss - the Unexpected Death of Someone Close

Sudden Loss impacts in the case of death or suicide of a family member, a friend, a work companion.

When a person is faced with a sudden loss the event can be very traumatic, and capable of incapacitating the person for some time.

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Stages of Sudden Loss

Three important stages can be identified when a loss is experienced.

• 1. Bereavement
  a state of desolation involving loss. The person may feel robbed, dispossessed, deserted.
• 2. Grief
  the feelings of sorrow, anger, guilt, and confusion that arise when a loss is experienced. Grief accompanies bereavement.
• 3. Mourning
  the overt expression of grief, and the usual response to bereavement. Frequently, it is culturally modified and influenced.

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Acceptance of Sudden Loss

Aceptance of sudden loss will occur when the person begins to

• 1. Acknowledge the Reality of the Loss
• 2. Experience the Pain of Grief
• 3. Adjust to an Environment in which the Deceased is missing

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Breath of Life Principles and Procedures

Addressing Sudden Loss

• Help survivors as early as possible with the establishment of a caring network
• Help them identify and express feelings
• In cases of suicide, address the issues of stigma, shame, guilt and blame in a way that is supportive and non-judgmental

Working with Indivduals

• Help survivors to live without the deceased
• Facilitate emotional withdrawal from the deceased
• Encourage survivors to go on

Ongoing Support

• Provide time to grieve
• Provide for continuing support
• Educate clients about customary grieving reactions of other individuals to help normalise the experience
• Allow for individual differences
• Be sensitive to individuals’ styles