GriefSpeak: Everyone has a back story.

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By Mari Dias (All names, places and identifying factors have been changed.) The caller opened our phone conversation with a question: “Are abortions considered elective surgery during this pandemic?” she asked. I didn’t know the answer but even if I did, I would not have simply provided a response. I knew there was a back…

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GriefSpeak: Signs, signs, everywhere a sign – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Young potted tree in a nursery.

By Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer (This is a repeat of a story from Mother’s Day time in 2019… my mom’s favorite story – Happy Belated Mother’s Day, Dottie Nardolillo!) It was Mother’s Day. Nancy, her husband Anthony, and their two teenage sons prepared to attend a Mother’s Day brunch at a local restaurant.…

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Support for you at this unprecedented time…

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People are struggling with their mental health in isolation – which is a breeding ground for psychological issues when the mind is not distracted. It’s a very scary time. I’ve seen an increase in panic attacks, generalized anxiety and depression, along with an exponential increase in depression.” I am also hearing from those overwhelmed with…

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GriefSpeak: Matthew’s Miracle

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By: Mari Dias Both Matthew and his teenage son came down with a cold. The PCP gave them an antibiotic and Matthew’s son improved within days; however, Matthew did not. Following 3 weeks of continued flu-like symptoms, Matthew contacted his PCP again. Upon a repeat visit, the PCP prescribed a steroid. Several days later Matthew…

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GriefSpeak: ALS

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By: Mari Dias (All names, places and identifying factors have been changed.) As a child, Gregory watched the young girl next door as she hung out the wash on the clothesline in her backyard. As he grew older, he thought he might be a priest and he created a makeshift church in his basement. The…

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GriefSpeak: DNA Tests – A loss or gain of cultural identity?

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By Mari Dias How many of you have taken the Ancestry or 23andme DNA test? Initially most folks considered this technology with a suspicious eye: today it seems to be de rigueur. However, many people are not expecting or equipped to hear the results. Stories abound of legacies erased in the time it takes to…

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GriefSpeak: Depression can be as fatal as cancer

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By: Mari Dias What’s in a Name? One of my favorite childhood bedtime stories was an old Italian legend that I called ‘the miracle story”. “Once upon a time, in the Civita Hills in Itri, Italy, a deaf-mute cowherd lost one of his cows. He panicked and began to search high and low throughout the…

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GriefSpeak: Larry was tired. Tired of living.

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The story of an unsuccessful suicide attempt By Dr. Mari Dias Larry was tired. Tired of living. He was 55 years old, and his successful 33-year-old business was going downhill, there were problems at home and alcohol wasn’t the solution anymore. But Larry had a plan – a plan to end his life. He researched…

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GriefSpeak – Bereavement Support Groups and where to find them

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By Mari Dias “There is no grief like the grief that does not speak” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) Talking about one’s pain associated with grieving the death of a loved one is the most effective way to move through grief; however, many friends and family may suggest that they have heard it before, or proffer advice…

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