An adult patient shares that, "When my mother died when we were children, I never saw my father show any emotion. What do you think will happen with those unexpressed feelings?" Which response is most appropriate?
a. "Pent-up emotions may lead to depression or other disorders."
b. "Your father probably has worked through his grief by this time."
c. "Maybe you can teach him how to best express his own feelings."
d. "If feelings are not effectively expressed, the person can become suicidal."
ANS: A
Inhibited expression of grief can lead to depression. It cannot be assumed that the grieving process has been completed. The adult child should not be made to feel responsible for counseling the father. Unexpressed feelings do not necessarily lead to suicidality.
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