This has been a difficult time for everyone. Two years of pandemic, classes moving to online to in person, to online, masks, vaccines, restaurants open or not, all that fun stuff. Loss doesn’t just mean death. Loss can mean any permanent change like a close friend moving to another state, or taking a different job when you really loved your co-workers, or a divorce. Humans tend to grieve all losses, some more than others, and grief can be formal or informal. Some cultures have very well defined grief rituals. Some people have found very specific rituals which help them but are specific to themselves.
Write a brief (2-3 page) informal reflection on loss and transitions. What have you learned about how you deal with change? With grief and loss? What are your personal cultural norms for grieving? (sitting shiva, fasting, solitude, wakes, wearing a certain color or eating a certain food, whatever) On what or whom do you rely to get through the tough times? What resources would you like to develop going forward to help you deal with loss, grief, and transitions?
This is not a formal paper in the sense that you need citations and a bibliography or a title page and running header. But spelling, grammar, syntax and tenses still matter. It is not a diary entry. Always practice good communication. Read your paper aloud to ensure that it makes sense.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Loss and transitions are inevitable parts of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes in our lives and resulted in various losses, both big and small. As a medical professor, it is important to reflect on how we deal with change, grief, and loss in our personal lives to better understand and empathize with our students who may be going through similar experiences. In this brief reflection, I will discuss my personal experiences with loss and transitions, my cultural norms for grieving, and the resources I rely on to cope during tough times.
Dealing with Change, Grief, and Loss:
I have learned that I deal with change, grief, and loss differently depending on the situation. When it comes to big changes or losses, I tend to internalize my feelings and work through them on my own. However, when dealing with smaller changes or losses, such as a friend moving away, I reach out to friends and family for support. I have also learned that I tend to avoid certain situations or people that remind me of the loss, which may not always be the healthiest coping mechanism.
As for my personal cultural norms for grieving, being from a South Asian background, we have specific rituals for mourning. We sit shiva for seven days, during which family and friends come to offer condolences and prayers. We also wear white clothing, avoid celebrations and parties, and some may fast during this time. These specific rituals provide structure and support for the grieving process, but they may not be practical for everyone.
Resources for Coping:
During tough times, I rely on my support system of friends and family. I also find comfort in practicing yoga and meditation, which help me stay grounded and centered. I am also open to seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, if needed.
Going forward, I would like to continue developing my coping resources. This may include trying new mindfulness activities, reaching out to more people for support, and being more open to professional help. It is important to have a variety of resources to turn to during tough times as everyone copes differently.
Conclusion:
Reflecting on our personal experiences with change, grief, and loss can help us better understand and empathize with our students who may be going through similar experiences. It is important to recognize that everyone deals with these situations differently, and it is essential to have a supportive community and various coping resources available. As medical professionals, it is critical that we advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of our students and patients, and understanding their individual experiences with loss and transitions is one step towards achieving this.