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Expert Q&A
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| By Kate Cohen-Posey Therapist | ||
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I have a good friend at church who is an excellent stepmother. The other night the children's mother committed suicide in the same house as them. The children are 10 and 12. I am an RN in a pediatric intensive care unit, and she came to me for help. What do I say to them? I don't have the answers. Could you help me out with some information to help her through this situation?
Perhaps the best thing you can do is find out what resources are available in your community. Some hospices have groups for survivors of a parent's death or for family members who have committed suicide. I personally believe biochemical depression is involved when a person commits suicide, and with your nursing background, you might be able to explain that. I'm sure the family plans to seek professional help, and perhaps you can answer any questions they have about how therapy or support groups work. Most importantly, don't expect yourself to have the answers. Just listen to the stepmother, and the right words will come to you. The children are probably very lucky that they have her in their lives.
Kate Cohen-Posey, LMHC, LMFT
Author of How to Handle Bullies, Teasers and Other Meanies"
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