Emotionally Surviving a Traumatic Event

It’s four in the morning. The phone rings. No one’s there. Caller ID says it’s my daughter in LA. My heart pounds. I call back. It goes straight to voice mail. I text, but there’s no response. I wait - check my email and find a disturbing message. I call again. Finally she answers. My phone is acting weird. Sorry. I’m fine.

I cannot fall back to sleep. I am concocting a response to her email in my head.

John saw a biker get hit by a car. I only saw the aftermath. Lots of blood and the guy wasn't moving. The entire windshield was smashed. It was horrifying. Click here to read more.

Is it grief or post-holiday depression?

The holidays are over. You survived. But a lingering feeling of sadness remains. Is it your grief? Have you become clinically depressed? Or is it a let-down after the holidays?

The holiday season certainly had plenty of stress - conflicted relationships, financial concerns, musings on previous holidays, and the noted absence of your loved one. For some, the distress lifted when the holidays ended. Others may continue to feel unhappy or stressed even when they have enjoyed the holiday season.

While depression can include grief, grief can also mimic depression. It is important to recognize the characteristics of each. Grief encompasses a broad spectrum of behaviors and feelings that are common after a loss, which makes differentiating between grief and depression challenging. Click here to read more.

Grief and New Year's Resolutions

It’s almost New Year’s Eve. Many of us use this time to look back at the past year and forward to the next. For those grieving, we can look for memories and stories of love and relationship. We can think about finding ways to stay connected to our deceased loved ones while moving on in the new year. Traditionally New Years is the time to make resolutions, to make changes in our lifestyle and to reach new goals. This year, think about resolutions of working through grief. Be sure to include self-care and finding support.

Please know that we continue to be here with comfort, hope, and healing.

Best wishes.

Grief and the holidays

I recently appeared on the news discussing tips to get through the holidays when you are grieving the death of a loved one.

http://www.wkyc.com/life/programming/shows/goodcompany/gc_article.aspx?storyid=165618&catid=267

What songs of grief are on your teen's iPod?

When death impacts the life of your teen, it is often overwhelming and difficult to know how to help, particularly if you are grieving the loss yourself. Parents often feel the desire to protect and shield their children from the pain, sadness and tragedy of death. Unfortunately, avoiding grief will not avoid heartache. Dismissing death and failing to acknowledge grief reactions can increase feelings of isolation and discourage teens from seeking support.

Many grieving adolescents feel as if no one else can understand their feelings or situation. Grieving adolescents may isolate themselves, hold their feelings inside and pretend everything is fine. Click here to read more.

Memory Wreaths - Coping with grief during the holidays

Last week folks grieving the death of a loved one gathered at one of our Memory Wreath Healing Arts Workshops. They decorated a grapevine wreath, symbolizing unbroken life and love, with personal and seasonal symbols, as well as wishes, memories and prayers.

The participants remarked about how the evening was helpful, relaxing and enjoyable. They were able to give and receive comfort and support , build a lasting memory in honor of their loved one and build their own self-esteem.

Please join us this winter for more Healing Arts Workshops.

Grief: Coping with the holiday

For the past 10 years I have been writing an annual column on coping with the holidays. Each year I get asked, “How will I ever get through the holidays?” For so many bereaved, this will be the first holiday season without their deceased love one. The first year is difficult. The second and third year can be pretty tough, too.

The first year, things may seem surreal. Perhaps you decided to take a vacation or have dinner at your Auntie’s home. You may still be in a fog. Then the second or third holiday season comes around and reality sets in. Your deceased love one will not be present. If you always had Christmas dinner at mom’s or potato latkes at Aunt Marsha’s. Click here to read more.