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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