Introduction to the Operating Room
LESSON 2: Operating Room Personnel, Policies, and Nomenclature
2-26
2-26. DYNAMICS OF GRIEF
If one is to integrate a loss, he must come to terms with his objective loss and with the threat that loss poses for his life and well being. He must also contend successfully with the fear and anger which results. There are both positive and negative aspects of every relationship so that in bereavement, both positive and negative feelings will be present. The "unacceptable" feelings of anger toward a person who has been valued, loved, and now lost may make the expression of grief a very difficult task, complicating it with guilt. Also, a person may be afraid of any deep feelings. Although grief is trying, it is a healing phenomenon. It is our way of being separated from someone or something with which our life is intimately entwined. It involves the process of withdrawing ties and establishing new ones. All the rituals surrounding death and burial are designed to help us do this important work of mourning.
