Grief may come as somewhat different for children. Many have very limited understanding about the subjects of death and grief and they may find it more difficult to deal with the situation, taking them longer to recover. If you are concerned about the way your child deals with the experience of loss, here are five children’s book that may be of great help for the two of you: Heaven is for Real for Kids as told by Colton Burpo Samantha Jane’s Missing Smile by Julie Kaplow and Donna Pincus What is Heaven Like? by Beverly Lewis The Invisible String by Patrice Karst The Invisible String by Patrice Karst To know more, click here.

Researchers found that people suffering from Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) have better chances of recovering through exposure therapy. Through the latter, patients are made to face or acknowledge their experiences and their feelings, leading them to “experience greater decreases in prolonged grief symptoms, decreases in depression symptoms and increases in psychological functioning.” Complicated grief (CG) is another subject of interest in many studies, and Dr. Sid Zisook of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine recommends “seeking support from family, friends and spiritual leaders (if consistent with the person’s beliefs and life style) and also seeking professional help.” To know more, click here.

If a family member or a loved one dies, one of the most difficult tasks is explaining death to a child. As a parent, uncle, grandma or a close family friend, how can you possible help a child go through the grieving process? NFDA grief educator and minister Victor M. Parachin shares some do’s and don’ts when talking to children about death. –          Although it may be very hard to break the news, do be honest when talking to a child about death. –          Allow your children to express their feelings. –          Be a good listener. –          Never hide your grief from the children. For more of these tips, click here.

The death of a family member, relative or a loved one is probably the most difficult thing that we will ever encounter in our lifetime. When someone leaves us, we experience a lot of different emotions including pain, anger, grief and frustration. To fully understand the process of grieving, here are three principles that you should remember. –          It is totally OK to grieve. Never suppress your emotions. –          The grieving process takes time and so is healing. Surround yourself with positive energy and strong support system. –          Grieve but do not lose hope. For more of this, click here.

It is important to be there for a friend or a loved one when she is at her lowest time. If she is mourning for a loss — whether it’s of a loved one, a job, or anything — consider taking the following advice: Take initiatives — you don’t have to wait for the person to ask to do him a favor. Just make sure that you wouldn’t be stepping your boundaries. Help him with some errands, household chores and other responsibilities. Keep it positive — the last thing that the person needs right now is a downer. While you can’t ultimately throw jolly remarks at her, try to keep the mood up by inviting her to dinner to talk or simply dropping some positive comments about the deceased. To know more, click here.

There are many things that we don’t understand about the concept of grief. However, it is important to have at least a bleary perspective of it in order to help any loved one who may be undergoing the said condition: Grief is a natural reaction to loss — not only through death but also due to a breakup, job loss, and others. The act of mourning allows a person to outwardly express his grief. Prolonged grief can lead to depression and ruined relationships. For more facts on grief, click here.  

Death of a parent or a significant person can be a life-shattering experience to any teenager. While all young individuals struggle with such loses, teens oftentimes have a difficult time adjusting and coping after the death of a loved one. In order to help cope with his loss, here are some tips an adult should follow. –          Let your teen know that you are always there to listen. –          Express interest in his views, thoughts and ideas. –          Show them that you are concern and that you care. –          Recognize their grief. For more tips, click here.  

Grief isn’t only about losing a person we love. It can also be an empty nest, a retirement or even death of a pet. According to Barbara Santay, Employee Assistance Program Therapist at Franciscan Hammond Clinic, even the happiest occasions such as graduation can also cause grief to individuals. Extended periods of sorrow can impact people not only emotionally but also physically. It can manifest in various symptoms such as nightmares, insomnia, angry outbursts, anxiety and loss of appetite. This negative feeling also affect people differently. For more of this, click here.

Death is one of the most tragic experiences a person has to go through in his lifetime. People who lost their loved ones can feel very devastated thus they absolutely need help when it comes to coping. If you have recently lost a family member, here are some tips that can help you deal with your loss. –          Don’t minimize your loss. –          Know that the death of a family member can have a big impact in your life. –          Putting your thoughts and feelings into writing can help ease the pain. –          Sharing your memories with others will help you cope. For more tips, click here.

The holidays can be the toughest time for a person who has recently lost a loved one. There’s always that cloud of uncertainty floating over his head keeping him from moving forward and doing what he ought to do. In times like this, there are some very simple yet helpful things that you should remember: Remember the countless blessings for which you should be thankful. While the memory of the loss may still cause you grief, keep in mind that you also have innumerable reasons to celebrate – loved ones who are still with you, success in work or personal life, and others. Many people feel lighter when they take time to be generous and share their blessing with others who are less fortunate – look up volunteer programs in your area and participate in any way that you can.