An assembly program, Grief Speaks was presented in Chatham Middle School last week, October 13, 14 and 15th, for all of the middle school students on Healthy Coping with Transitions, Loss and Other Tough Stuff.

Chatham Middle School students gained awareness, an understanding and healthy coping strategies to apply when dealing with the myriad of transitions and losses they may face as they grow. Each student was given Play Doh, listened to  a couple of meaningful songs, and interacted with Lisa as she engaged them in a thought provoking conversation that included: what to say to a grieving friend, the importance of being kind to one another, how to cope when you are sad or angry in school, healthy ways to deal with loss and who to speak to about such issues as bullying, academic struggles that commonly result from coping with a loss,  and other difficulties they may face.  They learned what a Scream Box was,  normal grief responses, signs of  depression, how to support friend, and the idea that their feelings change and that nothing bad in life lasts forever. Transitions for children include changing schools, going to camp, changing teachers, or moving.  Some losses children/teens may face, in addition include: illness in the family, a loss of a loved one through death,  loss of friends, relationships, or pets;  loss through divorce; or loss of possessions.  

Lisa Athan, MA,  Executive Director of Grief Speaks, was the presenter. Lisa's website is: www.griefspeaks.com   This website is full of resources, articles, book suggestions and more for anyone who is coping with any type of loss or transition or who wants more information to help someone else.