| Health
Matters forum is March 11
A second St. Mary’s Hospital Health Matters public forum on grief is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th.  The
topic ‘Complicated Grief’ will cover issues related to grief that are more
difficult to resolve. The presenter, Jay Kessinger, is a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker with 40 years of clinical experience in mental health.
It is not necessary to have attended the earlier forum on Grief and the
Grieving Process to join this presentation.
“The audience members at the initial forum said they were interested in learning more about grief, the grieving process and the issues associated with complicated grief. Mr. Kessinger was kind enough prepare for a second informational presentation,” said Sr. Corinne Forsman, SMHC Mission Services Coordinator. “We’ve scheduled it in the afternoon, rather than evening to make it more convenient.” The forum will be held in the downstairs Conference Room at St. Mary’s Hospital beginning at 2:30 p.m. No preregistration is necessary. “Complicated grief is often associated with multiple losses or multiple trials or afflictions,” said Kessinger. “Also, complicated grief can occur in situations where the person experiencing the loss or affliction feels personally responsible or is blamed by others. Suicide, tragedies or trauma are often related to complicated grief.” Mr. Kessinger will talk about ways in which complicated grief can interfere with the natural grieving process. He will also describe different ways to approach problems associated with the more complex grieving processes. Kessinger was the administrator at State Hospital North in Orofino for seven years prior to his retirement. “There is no right or wrong way to go through the grieving process, but knowing some things to expect and learning more about grief helps us cope and better manage our lives,” said Kessinger. “It’s also important to remember that grief is associated with all types of loss, not just the death of someone dear. People can experience grief with the loss of a job, loss of their health and other losses.” St. Mary’s Hospital is located at 701 Lewiston Street in Cottonwood. Refreshments will be served. |
 |
|