A Time To Grieve Book 1 - My Review

A few months back my sister sent me a series of books called A Time To Grieve by Kenneth C. Haugk.  It's a set of four short books that are to be given to grieving people at four crucial times during the first year after a loved one has passed.  Each book focuses on what the person is likely to be experiencing at that point in grief and provides care, assurance, encouragement and hope.

 I thought I was ready to read these books when I received them, but I wasn't.  I opened book 1 only to close it a page or so in. 

I simply wasn't ready. 

A couple of days ago I decided to try it again...and to my surprise I was ready.

Most people could finish this little faith based booklet in an hour or two, but being the note taker I am, it took me two sittings to finish the book.

Book 1 explains some of the things we experience in grief, some myths and some of the feelings that seem so strange.  It also talks about the pressure to be strong and what affects our grief. 

While the books are meant to be given to a grieving person throughout the first year of their grief, it's my opinion that these books are appropriate to give at any stage of grief.

I'm nearly 14 months into my grief and for me, reading book 1 now was the perfect time.  Some of the information was repetitive from what I've learned in online grieving groups and therapy, but some of it was new information or information I hadn't really thought about.

I related most to the "The Fog of Grief".  This short chapter speaks about how we accidentally injure ourselves more and seem to live in a fog.  This was a difficult time for me...I had bruises on my legs, cuts on my fingers, earaches, constant headaches, my nails were chewed down (which is something I've never done) and I forgot even the most simple tasks. 

I felt as though I was going crazy.

Now, while I still have "foggy days", for the most part I'm past that stage.

I feel that if the other three books are similar to this one (I will write a review for each as I read them) they are an asset to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.  I also think they can be helpful to those who are just trying to understand what a grieving friend or family member may be going through.

Below are a few snippets from book 1. 

This series is available at Stephen Ministries: http://www.stephenministries.org/On_Line_Store/viewitem.cfm?View=1,30&ItemID=458&CatID=247

This book review was done of my own free will.  I was not compensated or asked to provide this review.

 

Growing Rate Of Suicides Among Senior Citizens

Statistics on Senior Suicide

* Most Americans are unaware of the high rate of suicide among senior citizens, and researchers at the University of Iowa College of Medicine have issued a wake-up call for the elderly, their families, caregivers, and physicians. Although older Americans make up about 13 percent of the population, they account for nearly 20 percent of all suicides. An estimated five million of the 32 million people 65 and older suffer from depression. They are a more determined group to act and they use more lethal methods.
(http://depression.about.com/od/drugsalcohol/a/alcoholanddep_2.htm)

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* Although older adults attempt suicide less often than other age groups, they are more likely to die from the attempt. The suicide rate is highest for adults 75 years of age and older.

(http://www.trumbull211.org/awarenessprevention.asp)

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* There is one senior adult suicide every 99 minutes.

 84% of senior adult suicides are men.

  The suicide rate is highest for adults 75 years of age and older.

  Only a fraction (2-4%) of suicide victims have been diagnosed with a terminal illness at the time of their death.

  As many as 75% of depressed older Americans are not receiving proper mental health treatment, placing them at an increased rate of suicide.
(http://www.trumbull211.org/awarenessprevention.asp)

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* In Orange County California, 57 people over the age of 65 died by suicide in 2010. These suicides account for 23% of the county's self-inflicted deaths for the year.

In 90% of suicide cases involving people over the age of 65, psychological autopsies show clinical depression, said Charles Reynolds, an aging expert with the University of Pittsburgh.

(http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/18/local/la-me-elderly-suicides-20110118)

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* The National Institute of Mental Health reported the most recent U. S. suicide rate within the general population as 10.9 per 100,000, while the rate of those aged 65 years and older is 14.3 per 100,000.

(http://www.urbanhousecallmagazine.com/unmasking-suicide-rates-in-the-elderly/)

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If you or someone you know is considering suicide, immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). 

For additional information on aging issues including locating eldercare, contact the Administration on Aging at 1-202-619-0724 or 1-800-677-1116.

Statistics were gathered from the website links placed below each statistic.

Statistics posted are accurate as of the year the article was printed.

Photograph from Google Images.

My Story Published by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

I received an e-mail from Jessica V. from the west coast chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention asking if I'd be interested in sharing my story with their subscribers for Mother's Day. 

While it was a bit difficult to write, the response I received following it's publication, made each tear I cried while writing it worth it.

Below is the link to my story.  I encourage you to talk and share your story.  You never know who's life you are impacting and quite possibly saving!

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=d759klcab&v=001i_oc2EXSXOtDcyK3wlyS5fuNTeqvqmHDQri5mFVztNfjZEeGJMcIH_r1fmPUl6wPed8ds4zWdnxwAmrIapp_4UVVzUB27C5Zzw60uBIIHNNhUdnTqhGpx__1AOFY34fTL1R4cij8YdmMGYnnyQPhJg%3D%3D

My thanks to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for reaching out to me and sharing my story. 

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts

PLEASE reach our for help or be the help your loved one needs.

Call 1-800-273-TALK or 911