Conference Workshop Spotlight: Complicated Grief

Do you know someone who is still greiving the loss of a loved one many years later? Has the grieving process affected his or her ability to find joy and meaning again in life? If so, this afternoon workshop at our conference on Saturday may be the one for you. Note: Pre-registration for our conference has closed, but walk-ins are welcome.

Complicated Grief: Recognizing the Needs of People who Struggle with Intense, Prolonged Mourning

Presenter: Charles F. Reynolds III, MD

Complicated or prolonged grief occurs when someone has difficulty accepting the loss of a loved one and is unable to move on with life to find joy and meaning. Complicated grief may be more likely depending upon the circumstances of the death, such as suicide. This workshop will focus on complicated grief and how it differs from normal grief, including indicators to recognize that someone may be living with complicated grief. The workshop will also provide information on how people living with complicated grief can be helped to get their grief back on track and move on with their lives. Dr. Reynolds will also discuss a new study of treatment for complicated grievers, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Conference participants desiring more information about complicated grief may visit the Web site (http://healstudy.org/) or call 412-246-6006.

For more information about our conference, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary