Bereavement
Video by Gill Ward, Lichfield
Bereavement: A self help guide
G rief is a complex issue and a very sensitive subject. Suffering can be long term. Each person is a unique individual and handles the loss of a loved one differently. For many the loss is too painful to talk about at all and they suffer in silence. Others talk about the loss but still suffer from a variety of symptoms. Some people wish to be alone in their grief while others need plenty of support from family and friends. Even with support the loss leaves a tremendous void in the life of the individual.
As a qualified stress counsellor, I recognised that the grieving individual was often alone. At night, when no-one could be with them, fears would surface, as images of the dead person would be uppermost in their minds due to shock. Panic attacks would ensue leaving the client even more terrified from the symptoms themselves.
Although I gave techniques for coping with panic attacks and left a written copy of the procedures, it was quite hard for a person to work on breathing techniques etc. without a professional working with them to help their concentration. The memory does not work too well when a person is experiencing a panic attack. Thus, I always returned home and made an individual tape for my client. This was time consuming to do and I often had to wait until my family was out so that I was not disturbed making the tape
I longed to make a video with all the information on for my clients, which they could use when they were alone and frightened, but realised that it would cost thousands of pounds to make one in studio conditions. God answered my prayers in an unexpected way. A member of the Church, to which I previously belonged, was winning lots of competitions with his videos, but he felt that the subject matter had no real purpose. I said that I could give him a purpose and explained my idea. He was very enthusiastic and so we made the Chris tian video together.
The video, entitled Bereavement- A Self Help Guide, gives details of the stages of grief and the symptoms involved. The video also contains information on how to cope with panic attacks, memory problems, and changing emotions, as well as relaxation, breathing exercises and unique mind therapy techniques. In addition there is a Spiritual section containing two appropriate Bible readings. Where necessary, correct referrals are given.
I have invented techniques for preventing shock and the void effect, which I personally used when both my parents died. I knew what was going to happen to me but I didn't know whether it was possible to stop the symptoms. The techniques worked well, so I did not suffer from all the frightening psychological symptoms associated with grief. I have included these techniques on the video.
The video has been approved by Dr Gwenda Horton and by Canon Frank Longbottom, a trained psychotherapist and Health advisor to the Bishop of Birmingham. It can be used to train health professionals.
The video costs £15 plus P&P.
For more information about the video, contact Gill Ward on email gill.ward1@btopenworld.com
Gill Ward, Lichfield