By Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH Introduction Experiencing the Pain of Grief "Normal Grief" Adjusting to a Changed Environment Searching Behavior Going Forward Emotionally Four Major Tasks The Support of Family and Friends Accepting the Reality of the Loss Grief...
Mind & Spirit
Understanding Adolescents’ and Children’s Responses to the Loss
By Renee Garcia, MSW, Elizabeth C. Pomeroy, PhD, LCSW, and Danielle E. Parrish, MSW, Doctoral Student Introduction Birth to Two Years Ages Two to Five Ages Six to Nine Ages Nine to Twelve Adolescents (Ages Thirteen to Nineteen) Potential Fears Tips for...
What Is a Good Death?
Introduction How to Experience "A Good Death" Comfort Freedom from Pain Surrounded by Loved Ones Introduction John was a family man. He was also a man of faith. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 52, he thought "God will heal me." His doctors...
How to Use Self-Talk to Achieve Your Goals
By John Dauer, LCSW, ACSW You have a dilemma: a health problem, sadness, fear, problems in your marriage, anger, panic, anxiety, pain. "I'm stuck in life!" How many times do we hope that some external force will help us: someone's love, God, a doctor, a pill, alcohol?...
Depression in Older Adults FAQ
By Diane Palmer, MSW, LCSW Isn't depression a normal part of aging? What are the causes of depression among older adults? What are the symptoms of depression? Can a person who is depressed snap themselves out of it? Is depression treatable? What is the...
Depression in College Students
Many students are excited for the transformation that will take place during college, but they may not be prepared for how the challenges of college can lead to depression.
Grief and Loss Tip Sheet
Thirteen Rights of the Bereaved Instant Relief from Grief Three Questions About Widows, Widowers, and Their Relationships Managing Stress Triggers Instant Relief From Grief Explaining Suicide to Children Handling Grief at the Holidays Mourning a Miscarriage Loss After...
Springtime Spike in Depression, Suicide Threats Expected
By Ryan Stutzman Local Mental Health Authority Says Local Trend Is Counterintuitive One said she was going to kill herself with the gun she had in her hand. Another said she was going to cut her wrists with a knife. One teen boy made suicidal statements to his...
Caregivers: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
If you're caring for an aging parent or facing the challenges of assisting a loved one or friend who is chronically ill, disabled or elderly you are not alone. You are one of the 22 million Americans who care for an older adult. Caregivers provide 80 percent of...
Bereavement Support Groups: An Effective Tool for Healing
By Margo W. Steinberg, MSW, LCSW Introduction Time-Limited and Open-Ended Groups Effective Support Groups Summary Introduction Bereavement support groups are increasingly being recognized as an effective way to promote healing through education and...
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Recent Articles
7 tips to improve your child’s behavior
Parents are saying discipline, consequences, time out and stickers don’t work. Parents are presenting as more and more defeated when it comes to managing the behavior of their children. They have a long list of tried that – didn’t work scenarios, including many of the...
Tips for older adults to remain active and engaged
By Sherry Saturno, LCSW, LNHA, DCSW As executive director of Gramatan Village, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with vibrant and active older adults. I have witnessed countless times how critical the importance of human relationships and connection is...
Talking to Your Kids About School Violence
By Nancy Kislin, LCSW It’s no surprise that children are being traumatized by the fear of being shot to death in school. Monthly lockdown drills, active shooter drills and evacuation drills are causing anxiety and depression in children. The sad reality is that...