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...
death and dying
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...
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...
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...
Advance Care Planning: What you need to know
Families plan and prepare for major life events: attending college, getting married, having a baby, and retiring at the end of a career. However, few plan for events such as how we would want our health care delivered if we become very ill. Or some people may be...
Grief and Loss: What you need to know
Be patient. It can take months, even years to fully process your grief after losing a loved one.
Five Myths About Grief
The Myth We only grieve death. People should leave grief at home. We grieve in slow predictable pattern. Grieving means letting go of the person who died. Grief finally ends. The Reality We grieve all losses. We cannot control where we grieve or what will trigger our...
Grief and Loss Resources
Aging With Dignity Aging with Dignity publishes Five Wishes, an easy-to-use legal document that helps adults of all ages plan for the care they want in case they become seriously ill. www.agingwithdignity.org Caring Connections Caring Connections is a program of the...
Supporting Children Through Grief
By Deborah Bowen, MSW, LCSW and Susan Strickler, MEd Introduction Explaining Suicide to a Child - John's Story Child and Adult Grieving Differences How Children Grieve at Different Ages Should Children Attend the Funeral or Memorial Service? Explaining...
Tips on Coping With Grief
By Deborah Bowen, MSW, LCSW and Susan Strickler, MEd Introduction Stillbirth Alzheimer's Disease A Friend Suffers a Miscarriage or Stillbirth Caregiver Stress Death of a Child at Any Age Caregivers & Alzheimer's Disease When a Friend's Child Dies HIV/AIDS...
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Recent Articles
Men and Fatherhood: How to be a Better Dad
"Fatherhood is a journey," said Dr. Charles Daniels in a recent interview. "It's not something that you just learn overnight. It's something that you have to work at every day." Daniels is co-founder and CEO of Fathers' Uplift, a Boston-based organization that...
Are you experiencing a mental health crisis?
It's common to struggle with your mental health at some point in your life. This can happen due to factors such as stress, trauma, or genetics. Here are some signs that you might be experiencing a mental health crisis: You're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm....
Couples’ Lament: Stop Arguing, Start Laughing
By Lorrie R. Appleton, LCSW “You have got to be kidding me! I leave the children with you for five minutes and now they have colored all over the wall? What were you thinking?? Was your brain in your head when I put you in charge?” Verbal Reply: “It’s just a...