Grief in America

Narrated by Anthony Edwards of E.R., this video looks at the personal and social effects of bereavement: the pain, the process, and the healing of grief. Via interviews with seven people who've experienced loss, and several authorities on the grieving process, we learn about the nature of grieving, the place of grief in American society, the costs of unresolved grief, what to say and do that actually helps a grieving person, and more. Intended for medical and social work personnel, as well as the lay public, the tape provides an honest, sensible approach for both counselors and mourners. Hallucinations, "what if" questioning, obsessions about last moments, disrupted sleep patterns, lack of concentration, lethargy, and confusion are widespread, and mourners need to be made aware of these common accompaniments to grief. In addition, mourners should be asked open-ended questions, ("How did he die?" "What was your relationship like?"), and should be visited often. Recommended for well-funded libraries, and health care and educational institutions. Aud: C, P. (K. Glaser)