If you have followed my blog you know that I have written about the grieving process. In fact, I have a manuscript in the ATEJ, "Who Helps the Helper?" This post is a follow-up to my last posting that spoke of the shootings in Colorado.
This article I found, Father's Campaign: More Time off for Grieving Parents, identifies the need to evaluate and perhaps change the current FMLA - Family Medical Leave Act. Currently, a new parent is allowed three months off when they have a child. During this 'off' time, their job is guaranteed to be there when the three month period of time is up. However, the law does not cover time off in the event of a death of a child. We know from the literature on grief, that grieving is an actual process and one can move in and out of the process. There is no time limit to grief; and in fact, we find there are constant 'built-in' reminders to bring us back to remembering our loved one. For example; anniversaries - the day in which they died, their birthday, high school graduation, college graduation, etc. Perhaps it is hearing a song on the radio, seeing a movie, driving by a restaurant where you would eat. So many reminders that we may encounter.
As an athletic trainer you will somehow be involved with a patient or patients who have suffered the death of a loved one. I think we all need to remember that loss will effect each of us differently and that how one person seems to be 'handling' their grief could in fact be totally different than how another may be grieving. I also believe that we need to be patient with those who we provide care for as you, the athletic trainer, may in fact be the individual in which this person would like to confide in. Hence, you may be one of the individuals who can assist your patient processing grief by simply being supportive. I must however, add that we too, will need to take time for ourselves to heal, as grief touches all of us. We are not immune to grief even if we are not the individual who has suffered from the actual loss. Continue to also keep your health in mind as you assist others in their grief, and as the article eludes to, be supportive and understand that loss can take a lifetime to heal.
Indeed Dr. Sue! Its an interesting dynamic, because often as AT's our plan (soaP) includes a projected time of recovery based on sound scientific evidence. However, with the mental injury, grief in this case, there really is no way of predicting how long it may take to heal from a loss. As you mentioned, it may take a life time. Dr. Jim actually presented mental illness amazingly in HEAL 102 and how its not something you "tough out" or "get over." They can be and are medical conditions or certainly be the catalyst to one. Additionally, you couldn't be more right in that as care providers we do build relationships with our patients and we may be their confidant. Which is great and I'm sure anyone of us would be happy to be a supportive not only in time of need, but in the good times too. For me, that was really the undertone of assessment class. By creating that type of environment, everybody benefits.
ReplyDelete