The trauma of losing a sibling when we are in our adult years is one of the most unrecognized and undertreated areas of psychology. "There is no other loss in adult life that appears to be so neglected as the death of a brother or sister," says bereavement specialist and psychologist, Therese Rando. And Rando is just one expert author Berman interviews in this moving book about loss. We see here how, when an adult dies, the parents, spouse, and children of that person become the focus, but brothers and sisters most often fall to the sidelines and are left to find a way to deal with the grief and recover alone. Yet, when a brother or sister dies, we lose our longest lifetime companion, someone with whom we have shared an intimate family history. And, in most cases, that was someone for whom we had conflicted feelings: shared identity yet competitive feelings, pride yet jealousy, love yet hate. Most of us come to make peace with the relationship at some point. How to make peace with the death of the sibling - which can conjure up a well of feelings, from wishing you were closer to wanting to change some past events you shared - can haunt an adult. But author Claire Berman, who lost her own sister to heart disease in the week of September 11, 2001, "when America lost its innocence," takes us into the emotional world of sibling loss, showing us how to understand and navigate the aftermath of a loss that can leave adults feeling angry, confused, guilty, empty, or just like Berman, wanting to hit that speed dial button still marked with her sister's name. This book includes interviews with psychologists and counselors who specialize in bereavement issues and have worked with some of theadults who tell their stories of loss in these pages. The text addresses the effects and recovery for survivors who lost a sibling to chronic illness, to sudden death, and to suicide. The healing process, from shock to mourning and, ultimately, moving on is described. Natural questions about our own mortality that a sibling's death raises are also addressed. Appendices feature further resources and sources of help, from websites and books to sibling support groups.

A nationally known spokesperson for the mentally ill offers hope and inspiration in this moving story of his decades-long struggle with schizophrenia and his remarkable recovery . For thirty-two years Ken Steele lived with the devastating symptoms of schizophrenia, tortured by inner voices commanding him to kill himself, ravaged by the delusions of paranoia, barely surviving on the ragged edges of society. In this inspiring story, Steele tells the story of his hard-won recovery from schizophrenia and how activism and advocacy helped him regain his sanity and go on to give hope and support to so many others like him.

A thoroughly revised edition of the authoritative guide to caring for aging parents
For women and men who are involved in caring for aging parents, and for those who see caregiving in their future, this empathetic and practical book offers complete coverage of all the practical issues you are likely to confront-- while addressing the emotional stress and particular needs of caregivers. Claire Berman, drawing on her own experiences, the experiences of many other adult children, and interviews with specialists in the geriatric field, discusses the wide range of emotions that can accompany caregiving.
This completely updated edition includes
- new discussions of the Internet as a tool for seniors
- new sources of prescription drugs
- information about emergency response systems
- recommended exercises and exercise videos and
adaptive clothing
- an extensively revised resources section
In a wise and compassionate voice, "Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents" teaches you everything you need to know to help your parents through the stressful and humbling challenges of aging.
" A compassionate book that offers support for the caregiver, plus solid advice on how to fulfill your parents' needs without turning into a martyr." -- "Horizons"