From the Book - First print edition.
Opening remarks : what this book is all about
Part 1. The emotional impact
Shock : "this can't be real!"
Stunned : "I can hardly talk"
Surreal : "This is weird"
Sadness : "It's all so sad"
Anger : "I might explode!"
Anxiety : "I'm anxious about everything now"
Bitter : "I feel poisoned"
Numb : "I'm not sure I feel anything"
Lost : "I feel like a shadow"
Depressed : "The color is gone"
Part 2. The mental impact
Confusion : "I don't know which end is up"
Crazy : "I feel unhinged at times"
Racing thoughts : "My mind spins"
Forgetfulness : "I forget stuff and lose things"
Concentration : "I can't seem to focus"
Addictions : "I'm running, pure and simple"
Suicidal thoughts : "I want to die too"
Part 3. The physical impact
Physical symptoms : "My body is falling apart"
Sleep disturbances : "Sleep? What's that?"
Identification symptoms : "What's going on?"
Fatigue : "I'm tired all the time"
Clumsiness : "I bump into walls"
Anxiety-depression : "I'm panicky and depressed, too!"
Part 4. The spiritual impact
Spiritual confusion : "I'm not sure what I believe anymore"
Anger with God : "How could God let this happen?
Spiritual searching : "Where is she now?"
Spiritual numbness : "I feel dead inside"
Guilt-punishment : "God won't forgive me, and I can't forgive myself"
Part 5. The relational impact
Unsupportive family : "Family hardly talks to us now"
Supportive family : "Family has made all the difference"
Friends : "Where did everyone go?"
People of faith : "Some are helpful, some aren't"
Marriage : "We are drifting apart"
Our other kids : "How do we help them and ourselves too?"
Toxic people : "People can be insensitive and mean"
Safe people : "I can be myself with him"
New support : "We've found some kindred spirits"
Counseling : "I didn't think it would help"
A recovery team : "Thanks to them, I'll make it"
Identity crisis : "Who am I now?"
Purpose : "Everything feels meaningless"
Memorials : "I can almost see him smiling"
Holidays : "Can't we just skip the holidays?"
Birthdays and anniversaries : "Certain days are hard!"
Helping siblings : "How do we help the other kids?"
Endurance : "Does it ever get any better?"
Finding hope : "I'll learn to live again"
Concluding thoughts : a personal perspective on grief and loss
Hints for group discussion
A request from the author