Grief is the Most Underreported and Misunderstood Condition

Grief is more common than depression and it is difficult to find support, especially for the fourteen million widowed in this country below the age of fifty. Gary Young's national seminar series and his book, "Loss and Found," are helping to fill the need for support. Colleges are using the book as a lay-guide for psychology students.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) June 22, 2006 -- More common than depression, grief is painful and even embarrassing, but not unusual. Grief affects everyone who has ever suffered the loss of a relative, a partner, a friend, even a pet. Survival from grief is a process, often different than people expect. Many people do not know how to acknowledge their grief, and if they do, it is often difficult to find support. There is help.

The tragic events of recent years, such as 911, hurricane Katrina, and the war in Iraq, have brought this need out into the open. The sadness has actually opened the lines of communication and has begun to facilitate new help

As sophisticated as our society is, myths still exist about grief and loss. This is not like the familiar portrayal on TV.

Grief is widespread. For instance, according to the 2000 Census and Social Security, over fourteen million people in this country are currently widowed below the age of fifty. Young includes this often-ignored group in his support work.

Nationally prominent author and Grief and Loss Support leader, Gary Young notes in his book, “Loss and Found,” that “Grief is different than depression, but it presents itself similarly. The recovery from grief is a distinct process and it can take much longer than our society finds comfortable. True recovery from deep grief includes an acceptance of a certain level of sadness, and then ‘moving on’ while preserving the memories.”

Young states, “The response to the seminars and the book proves that there is a change in the acknowledgment of the pain and our ability to provide support and give tools.” Speaking to men and women on the lay level, in plain language, he has seen true recovery from grief, using real-world solutions. Facing and understanding loss promotes real support.

“The tragic events of recent years, such as 911, hurricane Katrina, and the war in Iraq, have brought this need out into the open. The sadness has actually opened the lines of communication and has begun to facilitate new help,” says Young. “Some of the most common manifestations of grief are the feeling that you are alone, and the feeling that you are the only one suffering in this way, as well as a general loss of confidence.”

He conducts support seminars throughout the country to help people cope. The next seminar, scheduled for the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area, July 29 and 30, 2006 puts these uplifting modes into operation. The workshop is accredited for psychologists and LCSW. The approach is very individualized and warm. “It is important to create an inviting environment, conducive to confidentiality and personal growth.”

His book, “Loss and Found: Surviving the Loss of a Young Partner,” co-authored with his wife, Kathy, is recommended reading at colleges through the doctoral level. Psychologists have endorsed the book, as has the NYPD, LAPD, Parents without Partners, 911 Survivors, and many others.

For additional information about recovery from grief or the seminar, visit www.griefandrecovery.com. On that site, there is information about “Loss and Found,” the seminars, and a free newsletter.

Contact:
Gary Young
Executive Director
Lifetime Achievement Foundation
(866) 238-2840 (Toll-Free)
www.griefandrecovery.com

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