December 2016/January 2017
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December 2016/January 2017 This bimonthly newsletter, Volume 1 Number 4 Dec 2016 / Jan 2017 produced by Pastoral Care Services/Office of Diversity and Inclusion, will highlight Spirituality Spotlight: Buddhism some of the spiritual and by Chaplain Terry Wilson religious beliefs held by pa- tients and their families, Religious traditions are sacred and they carry tre- Mindful Awareness providers and others in the mendous meaning and significance to people of those Mindful awareness refers to a person’s self- awareness. Clinicians should be very specific while MUSC community. It will faiths. Specific practices can be elaborate, or in some instances are simple. Faith practices are an im- discussing any drug that may affect awareness. Some offer strategies for staff self- portant part of a patient’s hospitalization. While it is patients may prefer “clarity of consciousness” and care as well as information difficult to predict how an individual patient may may refuse drugs that reduce mental alertness. to better address the spiritu- practice his/her faith during a hospital stay, care team Strings of beads, chanting, pictures of Buddha, in- al needs of the diverse pa- members are encouraged to work with patients and cense, and candles are often used by Buddhists as a tients and families that we families to develop processes that allow patients to mechanism to maintain focus and meditation. Re- serve. practice their faith, providing that these practices do quests to burn incense or candles can be handled by not pose a safety or health concern to themselves, suggesting alternatives, such as placing flowers in the other patients , families or care team members. This room or setting up a small electric light. Interfaith Calendar Highlights issue introduces care team members to the core principles of Buddhism. End of Life December 8. Bodhi Day For Buddhists, death is a time of crucial transition, (Buddhism). Celebration of when Prince Gautama sat under the Mindfulness with karmic implications. Near the time of death, a Bodhi tree and vowed to stay Buddhists generally want peace and quiet for medita- Buddhist patient's family may appear quite emotional- until he attained ultimate enlight- tion and may prefer a room on the unit that is at the ly reserved and may even keep their physical distance enment. end of the hall, where noise would be at a minimum. from the patient's bed. This is customary and is done This is one way a Buddhist patient may cope with to support the patient's desire to concentrate with- December 12 or 14. Mawlid al- Nabi (Islam). Birthday of the stress. out distraction on the experience of dying. prophet Muhammad. (Different dates for Sunni and Shia Muslims.) Modesty Death Some Buddhists may express strong concerns about Buddhism teaches that the body is not immediately December 21. Solstice/Yule modesty and may request treatment by a provider of devoid of the person’s spirit after death, so there may (Wiccan/Christian). The beginning of winter and rebirth of the sun. the same gender. be continued concern about disturbing the body. This Some Christians also celebrate it belief may be an impediment to any discussion of as the light of Christ coming into Diet organ donation. After a patient’s death, families may the world. Many Buddhists are vegetarians and may request that request that the body be made available to them for a any prescribed medicines be free of animal products. number of hours, for the purpose of religious rites. December 25. Christmas Day (Christian). Beginning of 12-day celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. December 25-January 1. Hanuk- Communication Disorders, 30 million people in the U.S. kah (Jewish). Festival of Lights Health aged 12 years or older have a hearing loss in both ears. Join commemorating the Maccabean us to learn how to care for patients who are deaf or Hard rededication of the Jerusalem of Hearing. Temple in 165 BCE. Care January 1. Gantan-Sai (Shinto). UNCONSCIOUS BIAS New Year’s festival with prayers Theater Tuesday, January 10, 2016 for prosperity and happiness. This monthly program provides a forum for MUSC care 1:30 pm—2:30 pm team members to debrief difficult cases and share strategies 300 - Clinical Science Building (CSB) January 6. Epiphany (Christian). to support families, colleagues, and themselves. The follow- Last day of Christmas, remem- ing programs are planned for the months of December 2016 Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain bering the arrival of the Magi and January 2017. groups of people that individuals form outside of their own bearing gifts. conscious awareness. It is far more prevalent than con- scious prejudice and is often incompatible with one’s con- January 15. World Religion “LISTEN UP - I CAN’T HEAR YOU” scious values. We will explore this subject in greater detail Day (Baha’i). Dedicated to the Tuesday, December 13, 2016 and provide a framework for self exploration. 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm unity and oneness of all religions. 300 - Clinical Science Building (CSB) Participants must register via MyQuest. One hour (1) of Source: http:// According to the National Institute on Deafness & Other Diversity and Inclusion Education Training will be provided. www.interfaithcalendar.org Page 2 December 2016/January 2017 WHAT DID YOU LEARN? Recognizing and Coping with Complicated Grief by Chaplain Terry Wilson Which of the following would most likely lead to complicated grief? The loss of a loved one by suicide often leaves Coping and Support A. Not getting the job you in- family members and friends with feelings of guilt terviewed for and regret. When we are part of a community While undoubtedly this will be a difficult time B. Losing a grandparent who experiencing profound sadness, anger or guilt, for anyone experiencing complicated grief, there has had cancer for 5 years this is often referred to as “complicated grief.” are some measures that may be helpful including C. Death of your sibling in a car View some important information on adhering to the treatment crash complicated grief below: plan, attending therapy ap- D. Your child getting a bad pointments as scheduled, grade at school Risk Factors if needed, and taking any pre- An unexpected or violent death, scribed medications as di- The first team member to respond with such as death from a car accident, rected. It may also be helpful the correct answer will be recognized in murder, or suicide; to exercise regularly. Physical a future edition of the newsletter. Send Death of a child; exercise helps to relieve de- responses to [email protected] pression, stress and anxiety, Close or dependent relationship to and can redirect your mind to Winner the deceased person; the activity at hand and may Lack of support system or friendships; October/November Issue help with concentration. It is also beneficial to Past history of depression or other mental get plenty of rest and to refrain from alcohol or health issues; illegal drugs. Reaching out to one’s faith com- Traumatic childhood experiences, such as munity and practicing stress management are abuse or neglect; also effective strategies. Caring for Your Spirit by Chaplain Stacy Lack of resilience or adaptability to life Diane Annand, Sergent changes; and or Plan Ahead RN II Holidays, anniversaries and other special occa- Other major life stressors. MUSC Family Medicine sions can trigger painful reminders of your loved one. Find new ways to celebrate and give your- Symptoms During the first few months following a loss, self permission to “dwell in the past” until you signs and symptoms of normal grief are the are able to move beyond this painful time. same as those of complicated grief. However, while normal grief symptoms gradually start to Learn New Skills fade over time, those of complicated grief linger If you were highly dependent on your loved one, Correct Answer: or may worsen. It is like described as an ongo- (i.e. handling cooking, finances, etc.) try to mas- October/November Issue ing, heightened state of mourning that keeps us ter these tasks yourself. Ask family, friends or D: Both A and B from healing. Signs and symptoms of complicat- professionals for guidance or seek out commu- ed grief may include: nity classes and resources. Intense sorrow and pain at the thought of Join a Support Group your loved one; You may not be ready to join a support group Focus on little else but your loved one's immediately after your loss, but over time you death; may find shared experiences comforting and you Extreme focus on reminders of the loved may form meaningful new relationships. one or excessive avoidance of reminders; Do you have topic ideas for future issues or Intense and persistent longing or pining for Thoughts of Suicide? would like to provide general feedback about the deceased; At times, people with complicated grief may the newsletter? If so, send an email to ser- Problems accepting the death; consider suicide. If you're thinking about suicide, [email protected] Stacy Sergent, Chaplain, Editor Numbness or detachment; talk to someone you trust. If you think you may act on suicidal feelings, call 911 or the National Bitterness about your loss; Compliments, complaints, or other acknowl- Suicide Prevention Lifeline at edgements about Pastoral Care Services Feeling that life holds no meaning or pur- 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a should be directed to: pose; trained counselor. Chaplain Terry Wilson Irritability or agitation; Manager, Pastoral Care Services Lack of trust in others; and or The Survivors of Homicide Support Group Ser- [email protected] vices. Call 843-792-8209, to inquire about 843-792-9464 Inability to enjoy life or think back on posi- tive experiences with your loved one.