Managing grief by reflecting on mental states

Complex needs and life-limiting conditions Death of a child Homicide Self-care Suicide Traumatic bereavement Reflective skills

When a patient dies, we are faced with the family's feelings, as well as our own. This can be stressful, and using reflective skills can help. By reflection, we mean consideration of our own (and others’) mental states, including thoughts, emotions, wishes, and intentions. Our patient care (and self-care) improves when we can be mindful about how mental states arise, how they impact behavior, and how they interact within relationships. The questions below may make it easier to intuit how to communicate during difficult times.