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…
Tag: Grief
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…
For many who are suffering with prolonged grief, the holidays can be a time to reflect and find meaning in loss
The holiday season is meant to be filled with joy, connection and celebration of rituals. Many people, however, are starkly reminded of their grief this time of year and of…
Afterlife Conversations: Healing Power in Grief’s Journey?
Summary: Interactions with the deceased, or ADCs, are reported by 30-34% of individuals. A recent study explored the effects of ADCs on those grieving a partner. The findings reveal that…
A trauma-focused therapy is helping Ukrainian children besieged by war – a clinical psychologist explains how it could bring resilience to kids around the world
Childhood trauma is a global health problem. Every year, up to 1 billion children worldwide experience some form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. More than two-thirds of children report…
Processing and grieving an ongoing loss – such as a child with a devastating injury or disability – does not fit neatly into traditional models of grief
Traditional loss is typically considered a five-stage process, linear and time-bound, where a person moves from denial to acceptance. Generally, traditional loss is linked to death – such as the…