Intense Grief Can Raise Your Risk of Death by Nearly 90%

Summary: While grief is a natural part of loss, some people experience persistently high levels that can have long-term health consequences. A decade-long study in Denmark found that individuals with…

The 3 worst things you can say after a pet dies, and what to say instead

I saw it firsthand after my cat Murphy died earlier this year. She’d been diagnosed with cancer just weeks before. She was a small gray tabby with delicate paws who,…

When grief involves trauma − a social worker explains how to support survivors of the recent floods and other devastating losses

The July 4, 2025, floods in Kerr County, Texas, swept away children and entire families, leaving horror in their wake. Days later, flash floods struck Ruidoso, New Mexico, killing three…

Death Isn’t the End: AI Brings Lost Voices Back to Life

Summary: A new paper explores how generative AI is transforming the way we interact with the dead, from virtual reality reunions to lifelike digital avatars. These “generative ghosts” can remember,…

Nostalgic foods and scents like fresh-cut grass and hamburgers grilling bring comfort, connection and well-being

Walking around my neighborhood in the evening, I am hit by the smells of summer: fresh-cut grass, hamburgers grilling and a hint of swimming pool chlorine. These are also the…

Practical tips from a clinical psychologist

The holiday season, often considered a time of joy and togetherness, can also be one of the most challenging periods for those who are grieving a loss. Nearly 95% of…

Infectious diseases killed Victorian children at alarming rates — their novels highlight the fragility of public health today

Modern medicine has enabled citizens of wealthy, industrialized nations to forget that children once routinely died in shocking numbers. Teaching 19th-century English literature, I regularly encounter gutting depictions of losing…

Wind phones help the bereaved deal with death, loss and grief − a clinical social worker explains the vital role of the old-fashioned rotary phone

My mother died in my home in hospice in 2020, on the day my state of Washington went into COVID-19 lockdown. Her body was taken away, but none of the…

“Supernatural” Experiences Comfort Grieving Pet Owners

Summary: A new study explores the phenomenon of supernatural visits from deceased pets. Analyzing 544 accounts from dog owners on social media, researchers found that about half of these experiences…

Daily Uplifts Boost Mood After Traumatic Loss

Summary: Researchers discovered that engaging in simple activities, termed “uplifts,” can significantly enhance emotional well-being following the traumatic loss of a loved one. Analyzing daily diary surveys from 440 adults…