The Invisible Losses of Situational Loss

Have you ever felt as though life suddenly took away your choices? Your sense of control disappears, future plans no longer seem possible, or your freedom and independence are unexpectedly limited.

These are examples of Abstract Losses, invisible losses that cannot be seen or touched but can profoundly affect your well-being. They often go unnoticed by others and even by those experiencing them. They are an important part of Situational Loss.

As defined in Mosby's Medical Dictionary:

Situational loss is the loss of a person, thing, or quality resulting from an alteration of a life situation involving changes related to illness, body image, environment and death.

Being aware of Situational Loss matters. If you are not aware, you can not address it and the other losses such as Abstract Losses that stem from it. Recovery begins with applying the 3-A Coping Framework: Acknowledge, Assess, Assist®, which is built on an important principle:

Wherever there is adversity, there is Situational Loss.

Abstract Losses are untouchable, invisible - arising from the Initial Situational Loss.

One of the commonly overlooked Abstract Losses is the loss of freedom.

Consider Linda. When her husband, Joe, can no longer drive because of a medical condition - Initial Situational Loss of health - Linda naturally becomes his primary driver, taking him to every appointment. Their adult children live out of town, and Joe's fears prevents him from using a rideshare service on his own. Linda willingly takes on this responsibility because she feels strongly committed to her husband and wants to support him.

Yet even when caregiving is freely given, it can still involve loss.

For instance, Linda experiences an Abstract Loss of freedom to keep her own commitments and the flexibility to plan her days. Without recognition of this invisible, hidden loss of freedom, and any other Abstract Losses accompanying it, they remain unaddressed, even though they contribute to Linda eventually feeling exhausted, resentful, and then guilty for feeling that way.

When you Acknowledge the Abstract Losses that accompany adversity - such as the loss of freedom - you are raising your awareness and come to understand the full impact of your situation. You can then Assess how these losses are affecting emotional and physical regulation, relationships, daily life. In the 3-A Coping Framework, Assist is not a separate final step. We Assist through Acknowledging and Assessing and by identifying practical supports., coping strategies, and compassionate conversations that foster resilience and healing.

For family caregivers and others experiencing adverse circumstances, putting words to these invisible, intangible Abstract Losses, such as loss of freedom, control, cherished ideals, can be profoundly validating. For healthcare professionals and counsellors, recognizing the Abstract Losses opens the door to deeper understanding and more meaningful support.

Do you know of a client, patient, family member, friend who is going through a similar Situational Loss including loss of freedom and/or other invisible Abstract Loss? Does this resonate for you?

The next time adversity enters your client's, patient's, family member's, friend's or your life, ask yourself:

• What is the Situational Loss?

• What Abstract Losses have followed?

By raising awareness, acknowledging Situational Loss and the Abstract Losses that often go unseen, we help people or ourselves feel seen.

And that is where healing begins.

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