A father is one of God's first gifts to our hearts, and his love stays with us always. ~ Holly Gerth
A reader writes: I lost my dad 6 months ago. He had a tumor in his pancreas that was discovered two years before that. He was told he had cancer on my 13th birthday. He had many operations, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy, but after a long struggle he died in a hospice in our city. I live with my mother and my 7-year-old brother. We are happy, but I feel really sad sometimes, because I miss my dad. I was very close to him, and we were very alike in the way we were both mechanical. He was a professor of engineering and he wrote many articles and textbooks. I am very proud of him. I boast about him a lot, and it makes me feel better to know that he did something in his life that was so fantastic – or I think so anyway. It’s just gone past 6 months since he died, and I’m beginning to feel very sad a lot of the time.
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts
Supporting Children and Adolescents in Grief
[Reviewed and updated February 6, 2026]
Children and adolescents grieve just as deeply as adults, but depending on their cognitive and emotional development, they will experience and express their grief differently from the grown-ups around them.
Labels:
childhood grief,
dead,
dying,
euphemisms,
grief,
honesty,
listening,
magical thinking,
pet loss,
teens
Caregiving and Hospice, May 17 - May 23, 2015
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
Email to Jeb Bush: What He (and All of Us) Can Do in the Fight Against Alzheimer's, http://j.mp/1el7fy6 « Maria Shriver
Dying Matters for Friends, Too, http://j.mp/1F6mWje « Victoria Noe
Teenage Angst and Suicide: Don’t Blame Parents, http://j.mp/1Hz70Jq « Bob Livingstone, LCSW
Email to Jeb Bush: What He (and All of Us) Can Do in the Fight Against Alzheimer's, http://j.mp/1el7fy6 « Maria Shriver
Dying Matters for Friends, Too, http://j.mp/1F6mWje « Victoria Noe
Teenage Angst and Suicide: Don’t Blame Parents, http://j.mp/1Hz70Jq « Bob Livingstone, LCSW
Caregiving and Hospice, March 29 - April 4, 2015
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
From a hospice volunteer: Yes, you make a difference, http://j.mp/1GqeNJX « Kevin MD
Top 10 Quotes From First Episode Of Ken Burns Documentary: 'Emperor Of All Maladies,' http://j.mp/1GPuc6S « Forbes
How The Best Alzheimer's Caregiver I Know Cares – And She’s Only 7 Years Old! http://j.mp/1FlkeIq « Alzheimer's Reading Room
From a hospice volunteer: Yes, you make a difference, http://j.mp/1GqeNJX « Kevin MD
Top 10 Quotes From First Episode Of Ken Burns Documentary: 'Emperor Of All Maladies,' http://j.mp/1GPuc6S « Forbes
How The Best Alzheimer's Caregiver I Know Cares – And She’s Only 7 Years Old! http://j.mp/1FlkeIq « Alzheimer's Reading Room
Labels:
alzheimers,
cancer,
caregiving,
death,
death doula,
digital age,
dying,
End-of-life planning,
guide,
hospice,
journaling,
patient care,
teens,
time,
twitter,
volunteer
Understanding and Managing Grief, July 6 - July 12, 2014
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
Exploring Grief Through Photograhy by Litsa Williams, http://j.mp/1khvw4r « Prezi
Grief in the Workplace: How can Managers Balance Productivity and Compassion? http://j.mp/1oQMo6m « Theravive
Helping Grieving Children: A List of Suggested Resources, http://j.mp/15BOJqS « Grief Healing Blog
Exploring Grief Through Photograhy by Litsa Williams, http://j.mp/1khvw4r « Prezi
Grief in the Workplace: How can Managers Balance Productivity and Compassion? http://j.mp/1oQMo6m « Theravive
Helping Grieving Children: A List of Suggested Resources, http://j.mp/15BOJqS « Grief Healing Blog
Labels:
child loss,
connections,
funerals,
grief,
grief at work,
grieving children,
guided imagery,
hospice,
Lou LaGrand,
myths,
photography,
teens,
twitter
Helping Children Cope with a Parent's Serious Illness: Resources
[Reviewed and updated December 20, 2022]
A reader writes: My daughter just recently was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I want to know what I can do to make life easier for her and my four grandchildren. The children range in age from seven to thirteen. I understand that the kids are scared, but they are pushing everybody's boundaries at the moment, and my daughter is struggling big-time with their attitudes of defiance. I appreciate any help you can offer. Are there any resources "out there" that I should know about?
A reader writes: My daughter just recently was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I want to know what I can do to make life easier for her and my four grandchildren. The children range in age from seven to thirteen. I understand that the kids are scared, but they are pushing everybody's boundaries at the moment, and my daughter is struggling big-time with their attitudes of defiance. I appreciate any help you can offer. Are there any resources "out there" that I should know about?
Understanding and Managing Grief, November 17 - November 23, 2013
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
Friday Favorites: November 22, 2013, http://j.mp/1bcjxVF « What's Your Grief?
What Jackie Knew: Children Grieve, http://j.mp/1bID4b7 « National Alliance for Grieving Children
Research: 'Widowhood Effect' Strongest During First Three Months, http://j.mp/I3Jf2c « Medscape Nurses
Friday Favorites: November 22, 2013, http://j.mp/1bcjxVF « What's Your Grief?
What Jackie Knew: Children Grieve, http://j.mp/1bID4b7 « National Alliance for Grieving Children
Research: 'Widowhood Effect' Strongest During First Three Months, http://j.mp/I3Jf2c « Medscape Nurses
Labels:
childhood loss,
complicated grief,
coping,
death,
funerals,
grief,
holidays,
lessons,
mental illness,
moving on,
permission,
research,
resoureces,
suicide,
teens,
twitter,
Widow
Understanding and Managing Grief, September 15 - September 21, 2013
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
Inspiring! Grief: Creating Meaning for Your New Life, Your New Self http://j.mp/1eypIof « Stop Thief: Don't Steal My Grief
Friday Favorites: Grief Articles from This Week, http://j.mp/18GrrFx « What's Your Grief?
Weathering the fog after a suicide, http://j.mp/1aZbKLi « Hello Grief
On the value of Grief support: After the Last Bereavement Gathering, http://j.mp/1fhMHmi « Elaine Mansfield
Parents' anguish turns into mission http://j.mp/15asrRB « The Detroit News Lifestyle
Inspiring! Grief: Creating Meaning for Your New Life, Your New Self http://j.mp/1eypIof « Stop Thief: Don't Steal My Grief
Friday Favorites: Grief Articles from This Week, http://j.mp/18GrrFx « What's Your Grief?
Weathering the fog after a suicide, http://j.mp/1aZbKLi « Hello Grief
On the value of Grief support: After the Last Bereavement Gathering, http://j.mp/1fhMHmi « Elaine Mansfield
Parents' anguish turns into mission http://j.mp/15asrRB « The Detroit News Lifestyle
Labels:
abusive relationship,
celebrities,
child loss,
grief,
healing,
sanctuary,
suicide,
support groups,
technology,
teens,
twitter,
Widow
Understanding and Managing Grief, May 19 - May 25, 2013
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
Is Criticism of DSM-5 'Anti-psychiatry'? huff.to/18bVAf4 « Huffington Post
“Now You’re a Soldier” http://t.co/CN6RyopvGI « FriendGrief
Is Criticism of DSM-5 'Anti-psychiatry'? huff.to/18bVAf4 « Huffington Post
“Now You’re a Soldier” http://t.co/CN6RyopvGI « FriendGrief
Helpful! When Kids Can't Remember Someone Who Died, http://j.mp/Z5fALk « What's Your Grief?
Bereaved teens face hidden challenges, http://j.mp/14WtKis « Hospice of the Valley
The impact of grief on you and the family, http://j.mp/133QOuv « Hospice of the Bluegrass
Bereaved teens face hidden challenges, http://j.mp/14WtKis « Hospice of the Valley
The impact of grief on you and the family, http://j.mp/133QOuv « Hospice of the Bluegrass
Labels:
depression,
disaster,
DSM-V,
family,
grief,
Hospice of the Valley,
journaling,
Memorial Day,
parent loss,
pregnancy loss,
suicide,
teens,
transition,
Trauma,
twitter
Understanding and Managing Grief, January 13 - January 19, 2013
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
Voices of Experience: What I've Learned from Grief, http://j.mp/pxcNlf
6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood, http://j.mp/VMhxuz « Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW
Silence, a Source of Comfort for the Bereaved, http://j.mp/10xXbcA « Open to Hope
CCBC recommends booklist on grief and loss for children, http://j.mp/V7ofwQ via @WhatsYourGrief
Updated: Tips for Coping with Sleeplessness in Grief, http://j.mp/hkoXnZ « Grief Healing Blog
Voices of Experience: What I've Learned from Grief, http://j.mp/pxcNlf
6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood, http://j.mp/VMhxuz « Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW
Silence, a Source of Comfort for the Bereaved, http://j.mp/10xXbcA « Open to Hope
CCBC recommends booklist on grief and loss for children, http://j.mp/V7ofwQ via @WhatsYourGrief
Updated: Tips for Coping with Sleeplessness in Grief, http://j.mp/hkoXnZ « Grief Healing Blog
Labels:
books,
child loss,
children,
comfort,
friend,
gender,
grief,
guilt,
lessons,
mood,
parent loss,
peace,
secondary loss,
silence,
Sleeplessness,
teens,
twitter,
video,
voices
Understanding and Managing Grief, October 21 - October 27, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- Grief and the Holidays: Resources,Tips for Everyone, http://ow.ly/eNpCT via @HRRV
- On pregnancy, infant loss: STILL Project, http://j.mp/Y3FZ9V « Grieving Dads Project
- Good read! Grief: What If I Can Hold On and Let Go, http://j.mp/P8Btpg
- Do Men and Women Grieve Differently? Not Always, j.mp/U541Nw « Grief Toolbox
- Memory of My Darkest Moment Can Change a Life, j.mp/R282l4
Labels:
bibliography,
certification,
child loss,
divorce,
Father,
firsts,
gender,
grief,
Grief Healing,
holidays,
letting go,
memory,
miscarriage,
ritual,
signs,
SSLF,
teens,
twitter,
writing
Understanding and Managing Grief, September 23 - September 29, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- Excellent! Thoughts on Grief and Social Media, http://j.mp/SprqfC « GriefConnect Newsletter
- A Widow's Story of Hope, Healing and Recovery After Suicide, http://j.mp/VZxXh8 « Grief Toolbox
- Physician's chilling account of teen suicide: Death came in whatever he might be wearing at the time, http://j.mp/QeW7QP
- The Needs of Those Who Grieve, http://j.mp/P99v7X « Maureen Hunter, Esdeer
- Lost someone and can't sleep? Updated: Tips for Coping with Sleeplessness http://j.mp/hkoXnZ by @GriefHealing via @PetDecisions
Labels:
child loss,
deathbed promise,
fathers,
grief,
kindness,
online support,
Sleeplessness,
social media,
suicide,
teens,
twitter,
widowhood
Caregiving and Hospice, September 2 - September 8, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- Important information on handling a violent care recipient, http://aarp.us/Qo2LZC by @SallyAbrahms via @AARP
- Helping Teens and Families Cope with Terminal Illness, http://bit.ly/POr9Pv via @hospicepharmacy
- Words matter! Not a Cancer Survivor, http://j.mp/UyGsPJ « The New York Times
- Palliative care expert says: Have your end-of-life wishes in black and white, http://j.mp/RU2bgY
- When I go: Advance directives protect your last wishes, http://j.mp/NgrE7G
Labels:
advance directives,
cancer,
caregiving,
chaplain,
dance,
end-of-life,
hospice,
music,
nursing home,
palliative care,
teens,
terminal illness,
twitter,
violence
Caregiving and Hospice, July 22 - July 28, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- Alzheimers: 3 Signs It Might Be Time for Hospice, http://ow.ly/cxYsv via @ctffox
- Outstanding! Opinionator: Don’t Get Sick in July, http://nyti.ms/OFJ5dy via @Victoria_Noe
- Great video: Dr. Diane Meier discusses differences in Palliative, Hospice and End-of-Life Care, http://buzz.mw/-Vit_y via @legacycubed
- Use technology to support caregiving duties, http://ow.ly/cwnaH by @AmyGoyer @AARP via @PALSbuilt
- Wow! Remote caregiving for seniors, http://bit.ly/LMgR4w from @thepctick via @TEDMED
Caregiving and Hospice, July 1 - July 7, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- How do you explain hospice? http://j.mp/M1RZjO | GeriPal
- Parents talking with terminally ill teens and kids about death, http://trib.in/M09Cqs
- 25 Care for the Caregiver Stress Reduction Tips, http://ow.ly/c0PnX
- Is it moral to allow a person in pain to to endure it? http://bit.ly/rDZKVO
- Medical Ethics and Me: When Palliative Intent Is Called Into Question, http://j.mp/LXPmkc
- The CareGiver Partnership is now on Pinterest. Here you'll find everything related to caregiving, http://fb.me/VgHdYLrI
Labels:
caregiving,
death of a child,
ethics,
hospice,
pain,
palliative care,
Pinterest,
stress,
teens,
terminal illness,
twitter
Understanding and Managing Grief, May 20 - May 26, 2012
- Delayed Grief and The Aftermath Of Loss, http://j.mp/Khgwoe
- When Doctors Grieve, http://j.mp/KhghJR via @swhitbo
- Powerful Video: 3 Mothers on Losing a Child and How A Support Group Can Help, http://j.mp/JLK1uj via @HopefulMJ
- Helping Bereaved Youth Successfully Navigate Through the Grief Process, http://j.mp/JLN1Xv via @TraumaReport
- Amazing: Keeping A Father's Memory Alive, http://j.mp/KP1JT2 | Maria Shriver
Labels:
anniversary,
blogs,
books,
cemetery,
child loss,
complicated grief,
delayed grief,
grief,
Grief Healing,
journaling,
Lou LaGrand,
mothers,
physicians,
Pinterest,
poetry,
support groups,
teens,
twitter,
video,
why
Caregiving and Hospice, May 13 - May 19, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- Revived by Music, http://j.mp/Js77WG via NYTimes.com
- Outstanding TED talk! Let's talk about dying, http://j.mp/JsfMrS via @happyhealing44
- Teen suicide: The Power of a Clown Nose, http://j.mp/KjUaQw via http://Examiner.com
- End of life shouldn't be spent in hospital, expert contends, http://bit.ly/Jcisz2 via @hospicepharmacy
- What caregiving is like: "Caregivers" video by Christorpher Reeve Foundation, http://youtu.be/OD-8Mk0ANpw via @CaregivingCafe
Labels:
caregiving,
children,
dreams,
dying,
end-of-life,
End-of-life care,
Grief Healing,
hospice,
hospital,
music,
myths,
palliative care,
parenting,
suicide,
TED,
teens,
twitter,
volunteer
Understanding and Managing Grief, April 29 - May 5, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- Nightmares and Bad Dreams in Grief, http://shar.es/2cd0Y via @TheGriefToolbox
- Devastation leads to opportunity: Cracking the World Wide Open, http://j.mp/JjDKHq by WidowChick
- Beautiful. "Love is in the Details," http://j.mp/JjDsAg by FriendGrief
- Experience counts: The Widows' Bond: Duct Tape Meets Its Match, http://j.mp/JjD199
- The club no one wanted to join: Widow's Voice, Not Very Private, http://j.mp/Iz0sfB
- Excellent! Grief Digest Magazine: Negotiating the Ever-Changing Currents of Grief, http://j.mp/IyY1tp
- Why Every Girl Needs a Dog, http://j.mp/K2jsEo
- Fantastic Hospice of the Valley resource: Explaining Funerals to Your Children, http://bit.ly/IEvM0e via @ctsinclair
- Tween mourns death of best friend, http://j.mp/I8yCph by Marty Tousley
- When You’re Feeling Gloomy, Encouragement Is a Lifeline! http://j.mp/IrmkuI by Stunned By Grief
- Great post! Competing Over Grief, http://j.mp/IHt83o by @karlsprague via @Victoria_Noe
- Dealing with Nightmares and Bad Dreams in Grief, http://j.mp/JMoQwV
- Excellent piece: When grief feels like a competition, http://j.mp/IwexwE
- Men Grieving Their Friends, http://ht.ly/azXyN from @TheGriefToolbox via @GoodMenProject
Using Herbal Supplements in Grief
[Reviewed and updated March 30, 2024]
A teen reader writes: Does anyone take St. Johns wort for depression? I want to know if it works well before I buy it.
My response: I think whenever you’re using or thinking of using any herbal supplement, you are wise to ask questions about it. I also encourage you to discuss this with your own physician or healthcare provider before you make your decision, since that person knows your recent health history and is in the best position to advise you.
Millions of Americans use herbal remedies and other dietary supplements, which are now widely available in retail pharmacies, neighborhood grocery stores and on the Internet. Today, consumers are free to purchase many types of herbs and other supplements, some of which are helpful, some harmful, and some completely useless.
A teen reader writes: Does anyone take St. Johns wort for depression? I want to know if it works well before I buy it.
My response: I think whenever you’re using or thinking of using any herbal supplement, you are wise to ask questions about it. I also encourage you to discuss this with your own physician or healthcare provider before you make your decision, since that person knows your recent health history and is in the best position to advise you.
Millions of Americans use herbal remedies and other dietary supplements, which are now widely available in retail pharmacies, neighborhood grocery stores and on the Internet. Today, consumers are free to purchase many types of herbs and other supplements, some of which are helpful, some harmful, and some completely useless.
Understanding and Managing Grief, February 5 - February 11, 2012
Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:
- The grieving child: on returning to school, http://bit.ly/nT5Tqw by@LovingTransform
- Managing grief: What to Do About Valentine's Day http://j.mp/zUigp7 by Cheryl Eckl
- Inching Along | Grief Reflection, http://j.mp/yG256B
- Are You Weary to the Bone with Grief? http://ow.ly/8TPcf by @Esdeer
- Interview with young author of new book: Weird is Normal When Teenagers Grieve, http://j.mp/zZMVUf
Labels:
ADC,
books,
child loss,
crying,
divorce,
DSM-V,
grief,
grief at work,
insensitivity,
reading,
spirituality,
teens,
twitter,
voices,
volunteer
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