Global Grief Network logoGGN Non-Death Loss and Identity Grief
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 3 of 6

Identity and Roles

About 1 hour

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Lessons in this module
  1. Who am I now?
  2. Grieving roles
  3. What remains and what grows

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

Who am I now?

Many losses change how we see ourselves. Someone who was a partner, a worker, an athlete, or a caregiver may lose that role. The question who am I now? can feel frightening.

Grieving roles

Roles give structure, purpose, and belonging. Losing one can feel like losing part of yourself. It is okay to grieve that part.

What remains and what grows

Values, relationships, humor, faith, and many strengths often remain. Over time, people can find new roles or new ways to express old ones, such as a former coach mentoring young people.

GGN reminder: You are more than any single role you have held.
GGN practiceIdentity circles (about 15 minutes)

Draw a circle with the roles and qualities that made up who you were before a change. Draw a second circle with the qualities and values that remain. Draw a third with roles you might grow into. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 3.1: The dancer

After a back injury, Lina could no longer dance professionally. For months she avoided music. Eventually she began teaching movement classes for older adults and found a new kind of joy.

Questions to consider:

  1. What did Lina lose?
  2. What remained and what grew?

Discussion: Lina lost a career and part of her identity. Her love of movement and music remained and grew into a new role.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What roles have you lost?
  2. What qualities remain?
  3. What new roles might be possible?

Module 3 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.