Ghostbots: AI versions of deceased loved ones could be a serious threat to mental health

AI ghosts, the recreation of digital versions of the dead, may sound like a wonderful idea to those dealing with the pain of loss but this technology could seriously disrupt the grieving process

Nigel Mulligan, Assistant Professor in Psychotherapy, School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University • conversation
March 14, 2024 ~7 min

For many who are suffering with prolonged grief, the holidays can be a time to reflect and find meaning in loss

A trauma-informed therapist discusses how grief affects the brain and highlights the role of a sixth stage of grief – finding meaning – in the healing process.

Mandy Doria, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Dec. 20, 2023 ~9 min


Want to help Maui's animals after the wildfires? Send cash, not kibble

Animal shelters and other organizations that support pets and their owners after disasters will still need help months after the media has moved on.

Sarah DeYoung, Disaster Researcher and Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware • conversation
Aug. 21, 2023 ~10 min

A trauma-focused therapy is helping Ukrainian children besieged by war – a clinical psychologist explains how it could bring resilience to kids around the world

No matter their age, gender, ethnicity or locale, kids undergoing this therapy can make real progress in recovering from the most devastating traumas.

Zlatina Kostova, Child psychologist and director of training at Lifeline for Kids, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
June 27, 2023 ~10 min

Processing and grieving an ongoing loss – such as a child with a devastating injury or disability – does not fit neatly into traditional models of grief

Letting go of what could have been is a critical step in handling ambiguous loss.

Brad Phillips, Assistant Professor of Nursing, West Virginia University • conversation
June 23, 2023 ~7 min

Horror and anguish are playing out on repeat following the latest mass shooting – and the mental health scars extend far beyond those directly affected

Even people who are only indirectly exposed to these repeat tragedies, such as first responders and those affected by media coverage, can experience profound and long-lasting grief.

Arash Javanbakht, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Wayne State University • conversation
Jan. 23, 2023 ~9 min

Why mourning a pet can be harder than grieving for a person

The death of a pet can be a deeply painful experience. But acknowledging the way pet grief is different can help people find consolation.

Sam Carr, Reader in Education with Psychology and Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath • conversation
Dec. 7, 2022 ~5 min

Losing a loved one can change you forever, but grief doesn't have to be the end of your relationship with them

Research shows people can undergo transformational experiences when they grieve.

Sam Carr, Senior Lecturer in Education with Psychology, University of Bath • conversation
Oct. 3, 2022 ~7 min


Grieving for a grandparent: a counsellor explains how they help people through such a loss

The death of the Queen may turn people’s minds to the loss of their own grandparents, or how the younger royals will cope.

John Frederick Wilson, Honorary Research Fellow, Director of Bereavement Services Counselling & Mental Health Clinic, York St John University • conversation
Sept. 14, 2022 ~8 min

1 in 8 U.S. deaths from 2020 to 2021 came from COVID-19 – leaving millions of relatives reeling from distinctly difficult grief

COVID-19 deaths tend to be more unexpected and traumatic than other types of deaths. A sociologist explains the mental health burdens facing the millions who’ve lost a relative to the coronavirus.

Shawn Bauldry, Associate Professor of Sociology, Purdue University • conversation
July 11, 2022 ~5 min

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