Published: August 3, 2010
Earlier this year, the American Psychiatric Association released a rough draft of its new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. It’s a big book that lists all the mental disorders doctors can use to diagnose mental illness. One of the changes they’re proposing is causing controversy.
Traditionally, the manual has warned doctors away from diagnosing major depression in people who have just lost a loved one in what’s called “bereavement exclusion.” The idea was that feelings of intense pain were normal, so they shouldn’t be labeled as a mental disorder link to read more
Source: NPR
Grief and helping those left behind cope without the support and contribution of their partner, is something we regularly work with in our practice. Today in the Science Times Jane Brody writes about the challenges she faces after the death of her husband Richard in March.
When asked how I’m doing since my husband died in March, I often respond that I need a 48-hour day. It’s a challenge to be Richard and Jane and still do my work and enjoy my life. I have yet to balance the checkbook, there are piles upon piles of unprocessed paperwork everywhere, and, if not for the help of my sons, I would be clueless about managing my finances. continue reading
Source: New York Times
Published: January 31, 2010
Image: Getty Images
explores the culture and science of grief. Here she talks with Blake Eskin about her own mother’s death and the loss of mourning rituals in American culture.
Link to download podcast and read more
Source: The New Yorker
Published: December 29, 2009
Grief can’t be shared. Everyone carries it alone, his own burden, his own way.
— Anne Morrow Lindbergh
A death of a loved one, a job loss, the end of a marriage, an illness or disability. Everyone faces losses and grief, but the toll that grief can take on the mind and body can catch many people by surprise.
The December issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Source provides an overview of grief — a normal reaction to loss. In years past, grief often was described as following a certain pattern or orderly progression from one feeling to another. [continue reading…]
