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

Practitioner Takeaways

About 1 hour

If you or someone you know may be in danger right nowCall 988Text 988Immediate danger: call 911

988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.

Lessons in this module
  1. Recognize, Honor, Adapt, Rebuild
  2. Asking about change
  3. Connecting to resources

Objectives

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

Lesson

Recognize, Honor, Adapt, Rebuild

Recognize non death losses as real grief. Honor what was lost and what it meant. Adapt with practical changes and supports. Rebuild identity and roles that fit who the person is now.

Asking about change

Ask open questions like What has changed for you lately? and What do you miss most? These can reveal losses that people may not label as grief.

Connecting to resources

Know local resources for disability, chronic illness, aging, divorce, career transitions, and newcomers. Peer groups for specific changes can offer understanding and practical tips. Keep crisis resources visible.

1Recognize2Honor3Adapt4Rebuild
GGN reminder: Naming a loss as grief can be the first gift you give someone.
GGN practiceChange questions (about 10 minutes)

Write three open questions you could use to explore non death losses with someone. Practice asking them aloud. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 6.1: The rehab group

Femi, a peer supporter in a rehabilitation center, noticed that many people talked about physical goals but not about grief for their old lives. He started a short weekly circle called What We Miss.

Questions to consider:

  1. Why might the circle help?
  2. What could Femi add?

Discussion: The circle names and honors non death grief. Femi could add resources for adaptive activities, invite people to share new roles, and keep crisis resources posted.

Reflection Prompts

  1. How often do you name non death losses as grief?
  2. Which questions will you use?
  3. Which resources do you need?

Module 6 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.