Coping with other people's grief
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
When tragedy strikes in a family, communities come together, and often, virtual strangers offer, food, help, or friendship. But many people affected by a sudden illness, death or other disaster also experience something else – the people they thought were closest to them remain absent. WHYY’s Behavioral Health reporter Maiken Scott spoke with Psychologist Dan Gottlieb about how we react to other people’s suffering:
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Dear Dr. Gottlieb,
A good friend of ours sent us the link to your interview. It couldn't have come at a better time. I recently was diagnosed with breast cancer & underwent a mastectomy. I am very fortunate-I found it early & there is no spread of the cancer. We had a negative experience with a couple with whom we are close. Being nasty, the wife picking a fight, etc. Distance from them as surgery neared. And the reverse-people we know well but are not that close to have pitched right in. I am a Certified Nurse Midwife & over the past 35 years have seen many expressions of reaction to loss. But, until you have personal experience, then you finally get it. Thank you for your affirmation.
Deborah Appleyard
Wilmington, DE