Coping With The Grief Of A Death In The Family - There Is Hope Says Laura Prince, Author Of Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey From Despair To Celebration

Laura Prince's new book detailing the death of her brother has been called "insightful", "powerful" "vivid" "absorbing" and "spellbinding".

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought us many of us face to face with the necessity of dealing with the unexpected loss of those we love. Death does not respect position, stature, rank or authority. A recent article in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press presented the story of the death of the brother of Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Another on ABC News featured Elizabeth Warren, talking about the death of her brother. Perhaps the most compelling of all was the story of Elizabeth Fusco, presented on CNN Health, who lost her mother, a sister and two brothers to the coronavirus - all within one week.

The death of anyone with whom we have a connection can be overwhelming - the death of a family member even more so.

Montreal resident Laura Prince, author of 'Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey From Despair To Celebration', offers some important words of wisdom that can help anyone affected by tragedy take the first steps toward healing:

“I am so grateful for the universal compassion of people today and with all the avenues of interaction available; the Internet being paramount, and the ability to express, study, exchange and learn about the development and treatment of very serious issues. These avenues offer a huge support system to the suffering.

“However I’ve also learned that without a huge and continued effort to heal from life’s upheavals, many things can never change. Recovering from enormous trauma, as in the sudden accidental death of my brother became a kind of ‘life endeavor’ of mine; which continues until today; not an obsession, but an endeavor. I am so much better, but still have that underlying sadness....it will always be there, and I am always working on it.

“You can share in my sadness in “Sibling Loss”, but as well, in the joy I experienced in eventually being able to celebrate my brother's brief but beautiful life, and how I slowly worked my way into a place of quiet joy and gratitude.”

Readers and reviewers alike have praised Sibling Loss. One called it "The best story illustrating the long term consequences of unresolved childhood grief that I have seen." Another said, "Sibling Loss: A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration is an excellent read and one I would recommend to everyone."

Allan Schnarr, of the Center for Grief Recovery in Chicago said, "Sibling Loss is not a book you read at a dispassionate distance. It is not for you if you choose to avoid facing your losses, not unless you become willing to turn around and face yourself. The reading is a deeply personal encounter with Laura, as she lays bare the unspeakable tragedy of the death of her beloved brother. As you encounter Laura, the mirror she offers will draw you in to the journey inside your own broken heart . . .There is so much to learn here about longing for love, losing love, and searching for it unwaveringly. This is the thread weaving Laura’s narrative. It is at the archetypal core of each journey through life, love lost and found.

"Laura makes it clear that fully grieving the loss of love brings one to a new home, a renewed discovery of love, a love strong enough and wise enough to walk through each new loss with durable, irrepressible grace. Thank you Laura”

Laura’s story, 'Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration', is a book that would be appropriate for anyone who has ever lost, or will ever lose a sibling. That would be nearly all of us.

Laura Prince is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at laura.prince.book@gmail.com or by using the information below. The book is available at Amazon. More information is available at Prince's website at http://www.siblinglossbook.blogspot.com.

About Laura Prince:

Laura Prince is both an author and the creator and manager of a symphony orchestra. Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration is her first book. She resides in Canada.

Contact:

Laura Prince
http://www.siblinglossbook.blogspot.com
laura.prince.book@gmail.com

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Teen Suicide Is An Alarming Crisis That Affects Us All Says Laura Prince, Author Of Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey From Despair To Celebration

Laura Prince's new book detailing the death of her brother has been called "insightful", "powerful" "vivid" "absorbing" and "spellbinding".

A recent article on the Physician's Weekly website revealed some appalling facts regarding teen suicide. The article referenced a quote in the New York Times in 2018 in which psychiatrist Richard Friedman wrote that an epidemic in anxiety or depression among youth "is simply a myth."

Jean Twenge, PhD, the author of the article wrote: "But a new analysis my colleagues and I conducted of a large representative screening survey—published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology—reinforces what I and others have been saying: The epidemic is all too real. In fact, the increase in mental health issues among teens and young adults is nothing short of staggering. . . . Depression surged 69% among 16- to 17-year-olds. Serious psychological distress, which includes feelings of anxiety and hopelessness, jumped 71% among 18- to 25-year-olds from 2008 to 2017. Twice as many 22- to 23-year-olds attempted suicide in 2017 compared with cohorts in 2008, and 55% more had suicidal thoughts."

Further on in the article she said, " . . .the suicide rate among 18- to 19-year-olds climbed 56% from 2008 to 2017."

Suffice it to say that our young people need help now. But this goes beyond just young people, as the tragedy of teen suicide affects not only immediate family members, but everyone in the orbit of relationships surrounding the family. We sometimes tend to ignore the devastating effect suicide has on siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, close friends, teachers and on the community as a whole.

Montreal resident Laura Prince, author of 'Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey From Despair To Celebration', offers some important words of wisdom that can help anyone affected by teen suicide take the first steps toward healing.

"There is no recipe, and no-one knows--nor will ever know--how you feel, and how you have lived your personal tragedy,” Prince stated. “It's a matter of finding your way through support groups, therapy and friendships. Writing is a major help, and listening to others' stories is also very healing. Whatever helps you feel compassion for all of us and gratitude for discovering a peaceful place again will help you chart your particular journey to healing.”

“Time has illustrated to me that the death of my brother was the catalyst to my devastating despair; however, the lack of support was the tragedy. A person left with no avenue of help, especially a child, is emotionally doomed in most ways. Getting help was what got me over Mathew."

Readers and reviewers alike have praised Sibling Loss. One called it "The best story illustrating the long term consequences of unresolved childhood grief that I have seen." Another said, "Sibling Loss: A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration is an excellent read and one I would recommend to everyone."

Allan Schnarr, of the Center for Grief Recovery in Chicago said, "Sibling Loss is not a book you read at a dispassionate distance. It is not for you if you choose to avoid facing your losses, not unless you become willing to turn around and face yourself. The reading is a deeply personal encounter with Laura, as she lays bare the unspeakable tragedy of the death of her beloved brother. As you encounter Laura, the mirror she offers will draw you in to the journey inside your own broken heart . . .There is so much to learn here about longing for love, losing love, and searching for it unwaveringly. This is the thread weaving Laura’s narrative. It is at the archetypal core of each journey through life, love lost and found.

"Laura makes it clear that fully grieving the loss of love brings one to a new home, a renewed discovery of love, a love strong enough and wise enough to walk through each new loss with durable, irrepressible grace. Thank you Laura”

Laura’s story, 'Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration', is a book that would be appropriate for anyone who has ever lost, or will ever lose a sibling. That would be nearly all of us.

Laura Prince is available for media interviews and can be reached by email at laura.prince.book@gmail.com or by using the information below. The book is available at Amazon. More information is available at Prince's website at http://www.siblinglossbook.blogspot.com.

About Laura Prince:

Laura Prince is both an author and the creator and manager of a symphony orchestra. Sibling Loss, A Sister's Journey from Despair to Celebration is her first book. She resides in Canada.

Contact:

Laura Prince
http://www.siblinglossbook.blogspot.com
laura.prince.book@gmail.com

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Suicide Before Age 13 - Positive Psychologist Barbara Becker Holstein Helps Teens Understand And Deal With Emotional Turmoil

Dr. Holstein, a psychologist/filmmaker and originator of a unique Selfie Film concept, writes award-winning books, plays and produces short films that offer solutions to problems that impact today's teens and tweens

A recent article on the CNN website entitled "Suicides under age 13: One every 5 days" presented a statistic that is not only sobering - it is frankly terrifying. According to the article 1,309 children between the ages of 5 and 12 committed suicide from 1999 through 2015.

What does this mean? It means we must collectively do something. Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Positive Psychologist, award-winning author and pioneer of the selfie film concept helps teens, tween and parents understand and deal with the emotional turmoil that can lead to anguish, mental stress and, in extreme cases, suicide.

"Suicide at any age is a terrible waste of a human being," Dr. Holstein stated, "but suicides of children 13 and under is almost unimaginable.  Yet it is happening in our society.  In addition to the CNN piece, another headline stated recently: '13 year old boy wants to commit suicide after yearbook bullying'.  Fortunately, he was saved in time.  How can these actual or near encounters with death for young children be so frequent in our society?

"Each case has many reasons why a child reaches that terrible emotional point where living no longer matters.  For some children it is the bullying that takes place in the school yard, on the school bus, in back yards and even in the classroom.  For others it a combination of emotional problems and family stresses.

"As a positive psychologist constantly looking for ways to help children and adults live fulfilling lives, lives of purpose and meaning, I have ventured into many arenas including websites, radio shows, TV shows, books, plays, and now Selfie Films.  All have served a purpose and brought information and education and I believe inspiration to the public about how to have better mental health. 

"However, of all my endeavors, it is the concept of #selfiesasfilm that I believe has the most potential to help kids and adults prevent and better understand the emotional turmoil that can lead to self destruction at its most extreme forms and the needless anguish in less extreme circumstances.

"This is because #selfiesasfilm are a way to take what millions of kids and adults are doing on a daily basis anyway, i.e. the video functions of their cell phones, and end up with an intimacy of feeling that the cell phone allows both the giver and the receiver.  The product could be simply one child telling the world that bullying has hurt her or a narrative film such as I am making, in which the 'girl' (based on my books, 'The Truth' and 'Secrets') gets a chance again and again to film herself and speak her mind and emotions.  Whether that video is then uploaded to a social media site, sent to a friend, sent to a stranger or just a new form of diary is for the viewer to ponder.  Also for the viewer to ponder are the many powerful psychological subjects brought up in my films induce discussion and thought after viewing the film.

"Psychologists understand that if people take the time to process and understand issues, dilemmas, problems, deep feelings, hurts, etc. then less tragedies will happen.  We learn and we change.  This is the gift of being human. I am excited, both as a Positive Psychologist and a filmmaker, to create films that are set up to dramatically encourage the beginnings of change.  As for the horror of suicide in kids -  Kids who are understood and helped and protected way before dark thoughts and feelings settle in don't commit suicide.  

"I'm excited to announce that 'Secrets, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film' is an Official Selection of the Golden Door International Film Festival and will be premiered in Jersey City on October 5, 2017. 

"Also, 'The Truth, A Short Film' is an Official Selection of the Roselle Park Shorts. Film Festival and will be shown September 23rd. 'The Truth' is now available to families, schools, libraries, etc. to stream.  It is distributed by Cinecosmos.net which brings a universe of diverse independent content right to consumers. Cinecosmos specializes in historical, medical, parody, and psychological storylines.

"Finally, we have started our countdown calendar to begin filming my newest #Selfiesasfilm film, tentatively called 'Help From Beyond, A Coming of Age Selfie Film'.  In this film, the 'girl' is now 15.  Megan Brown is playing her once again.  The themes are amazing and right on target with today's issues, including bullying, drugs, and more."

Holstein's short films have won numerous awards and accolades. 'The Truth - A Short Film' premiered at the Garden State Film Festival and its song, 'On The Edge of Something New' won the award as the best pop song of 2016. The short two minute film by Dr. Holstein, 'The Truth, A Short Short Film', premiered at FilmOneFest in July. The film was chosen as an Official Selection in the Chain Film Festival held in Manhattan on August 13, 2016. The film was also selected by the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival (JCITFF), and was shown on November 5, 2016 at the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival. 'The Truth - A Short Film' was officially selected for the Golden Door International Film Festival held in September 2016.  Recently, it was shown at The Grove Film Festival in Jersey City and on May 21, 2017, the shorter version was shown at The Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey. 'The Truth - A Short Film' was an official selection for the virtual Female Filmmakers Film Festival held on the web.  There was a public voting of favorite films and 'The Truth' came in 12th of 92 films.

The second film, 'Falling in Love, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film, is detailed in a new ebook: 'A Selfie Film - Falling In Love' by Dr. Holstein. This ebook details many of the issues and stories behind the creation of Dr. Holstein's "selfie films", which utilize cutting edge New Media technology. These films are Selfie Films assisted by a professional camera crew, resulting in an intensity and intimacy of performance. The topics and questions for discussion in the book can be used by a group of two, a parent and a child, or a group of hundreds as the universal subjects of growing up and handling tough issues are discussed. 

'Falling in Love'  was an official selection at the Brightside Tavern Film Festival in Jersey City in early March, nominated for several awards, including 'Best Experimental Film' and 'Best New Jersey Short'.  It came in second place for 'Best New Jersey Short'.

'Falling in Love' was an official selection also at The Hang On To Your Shorts Film Festival in Asbury Park on May 21, 2017.  It was nominated for several awards, including Best Experimental Film, and Best Concept Film.  Megan Brown, a high school freshman, who stars in 'Falling in Love' received the 'Rising Star Award' for her acting performance in 'Falling in Love' at this Festival.

On June 19, 2017, at 7:00 PM, 'The Truth', and 'Falling in Love' was shown at the Monmouth County District Library in Shrewsbury, followed by a talk and Q&A led by Dr. Holstein.  Megan Brown, the star of 'Falling in Love' spoke alongside Dr. Holstein about making the film and how exciting and emotionally boosting it was for her to be able to take charge of her scenes and redo them in privacy when she wasn't satisfied.

Recently Dr. Holstein attended for the sixth time, Author's Day at the Ocean Township Intermediate School where she presented film excerpts from both 'The Truth' and 'Falling in Love' to sixth graders.  They were able to watch at the same time, yet separately on their tablets. Comments included how genuine the girl's emotions were, how parents can't always be there to protect or understand, how hard it is to move to a new town, the real issues of having a crush, and suggestions as to how we can handle problems.

Dr Holstein presented her Selfiesasfilm concept at the American Psychological Association meetings in early August at a Symposium: Novel Directions: Novel Directions: Four Practicing Psychologists' Atypical Pursuits.  The audience watched her film,'The Truth, A Short, Short Film' and the 30 second trailer to her newest film, 'Secrets, A Coming of Age, Selfie Film'. On the panel also were Dr. Russell M. Holstein, Dr. Lauren Behrman, and Dr. Elaine Rodino.

Dr. Holstein requests that any verified charitable organization interested in raising funds contact her via email. She is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at drbarbara@enchantedself.com . Both the film and the ebook are available at http://www.payhip.com/drbholstein. All of her books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all other online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.NewShortFilmTheTruth.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was just included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness,  Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting.

She has been a contributor to Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, The Wall Street Journal, Time on line, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
drbarbara@enchantedself.com
732-571-1200
http://www.newshortfilmthetruth.com
http://www.thetruthforgirls.com
http://www.selfiesasfilm.com

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Teen Suicide Rates And Bullying - Author Andi Katsina's New Release, 'Phat Girl And The Bullies', Offers Parents And Kids Hope

Andi Katsina writes epic fantasy, sci-fi and thriller novels. In her latest release, billed as the anti-bullying manifesto, 'fat girl' becomes 'phat girl', one of the coolest girls in school

Teen suicide and bullying are at all-time highs and make headlines nearly every day. A piece on CNN titled 'Suicide rate hit 40-year peak among older teen girls in 2015' presented some appalling facts. Data drawn from the National Center for Health Statistics showed that the suicide rate doubled between 2007 and 2015. The hit Netflix series, '13 Reasons Why' has become extremely popular, in that it helps raise awareness about the tragedy of youth suicide.

One can hardly begin to count the number of stories about bullying. Children as young as 8 years of age have committed suicide due to bullying. CNN, USA Today, ABC - nearly every news organization in America presents yet another bullying story, seemingly every day, day after day. What is the solution?

Awareness, combined with action.

Author Andi Katsina hopes to help create that awareness and offers a path to empowerment. Her newest release 'Phat Girl and The Bullies', turns the traditional approach to bully situations on its head. This gritty dark fantasy tale follows a girl bullied to edge of suicide, as she successfully etches out a journey of personal growth from a place of extreme despair. Her visits to an alternate world, a reflection of her own world, provides guided realizations wherein she finds the strength, and know how, to not only put an end to her own bully situation, but become a young advocate promoting the school anti-bullying policy and more. Her goal is to get readers to stand strong against teen suicide and school bullying.

"This is an extremely important book," Katsina stated. "It has a powerful message and is pivotal in empowering those who are victims of bullying. Aimed at teens, it takes a strong stand against teen suicide and school bullying.

"Bullying affects a huge proportion of society in that nearly everyone knows someone, be it a friend, sister, brother, parent, grandchild, uncle, aunt... who has been bullied. The fact that people vividly remember being bullied, even in later life, demonstrates how insidious an activity it is. My reason for writing this book was motivated by the growing number of young people who are committing suicide as a direct result of being bullied, and a desire to help protect all those who feel pushed to the edge."

Katsina's latest book offers parents, grandparents and educators an opportunity to take a strong stand against bullying. The book makes an ideal gift for kids, and provides educators with an exceptional tool to help develop solutions, in or out of the classroom.

Andi Katsina is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at info@theindieoracle.com. 'Phat Girl And The Bullies' is available at online retailers. More information is available at her website at http://www.andikatsina.com.

About Andi Katsina:

Andi Katsina began writing at age 9, spending hours losing herself in writing plays as a way of escaping the dread situation that was life in an orphanage. Six years and dozens of plays later, she had to give up writing to concentrate on surviving. Picking up her pen once more, almost twenty years ago. . . she began writing under her own name in 2006. She has written over twenty books.

Contact:

Andi Katsina
info@theindieoracle.com
http://www.andikatsina.com

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