wa state 2011 traumatic brain injury conference growing through grief coming to terms with your role...
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WA State 2011Traumatic Brain Injury Conference
Growing Through GriefComing to terms with
your Role as a Caregiver
Dr. Nancy Reeves
Prevent burnout and compassion fatigue
Burnout - doing too much
Compassion Fatigue - giving too muchcompassion “feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by suffering or misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the pain or remove its cause.” Webster
Pain ResearchDr. J. Osborn and Dr. S. Derbyshire U. of BirminghamJournal of the International Association for the Study of Pain
Both groups showed increased activity in the area of the brain areas associated with emotion
Felt-pain group showed more activity in the area of the brain that processes sensations from the body
Grieving Process
Holistic, impacting emotions, mind, body, spirit
2 styles of grieving from Ken DokaInstrumental style - doesn’t need to talk much, does something productive and thinks about change and lossIntuitive style - helped by talking, showing emotion
Name and grieve the losses
We grieve for meanings and implications of our change such as:intrapersonal - way of viewing self
interpersonal - relationships with othersfinancialchange in rolestatus changechange in dreams and expectationsimpact on time
Healing vs Cure
Cure - brain injury totally gone. Life the same as it wasHealing - the focus is not completely on the brain injury
life feels worth living you are able to access support
you use inner resources you like yourself
Love ResearchDopamine creates intense energy, exhilaration, focused attention, and motivation to win rewards.Dr. Helen FisherLong term romantic love promotes overall well-being, increased self-esteem, happiness, and satisfaction with the relationship. Drs. Acevedo & Aron, 2009 and othersLowers blood-pressure, promotes calmness, strengthens cognitive functioning. Dr. Scott Haltzman
Gratitude researchThose who kept gratitude journals tended to exercise more regularly, focused less on physical symptoms, and felt more optimistic about the futureMore likely to progress towards goalsLess interest in materialismYoung adults had higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, and attentivenessChildren have more positive attitudes towards school and family.
reported by Drs. Emmons & McCullough
Expensive Emotions
• Anger – bitterness resentment hate vengeance• Guilt – healthy to unhealthy• Longing for healing – envy/jealousy• Sadness – depression/despair
What qualities/gifts are within me that are not being used enough or at all?What personal dreams have not come to fruition?What expensive emotions are weighing me down?What attracts or interests me?What part of my life is particularly arid right now?
Develop Holistic Self-Care Strategies
EmotionalPhysicalMentalSpiritualDaily, periodic, times of great stress
Setting Limits
Self-talkRehearseThought-stopping techniqueGentle refusal1. Paraphrase2. Say ‘no’3. Give invitation
Other Self-Care Strategies
Symbols - for comfort, support, guidance, strength etc
Journalling - to clarify, to remember, to support