Living Through Personal Crisis

by Ann Kaiser Stearns

This book is about the small and large losses that happen to people, experiences that plunge them into a state of adjustment. It guides those moving through the mourning process and those who are struggling with depression and other symptoms of distress as they start to realize that they are grieving their loss. It is also for the families and friends of those who have suffered a loss.
The kinds of losses discussed include deaths and divorces; injuries to oneself and others; loss of jobs, health, and security from the economy, accidents, terrorist acts, or on the battlefield. The book guides its readers through the healing process, through the hurts, through the depression, through the anger and blame, back to the hope of a fulfilling life.

Genres: Nonfiction

213 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1983

Reviews

[Rainbowyikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brillant. Everyone who has ever lost someone in an emotional or physical way should read this book. I loved this. I took so many notes! It’s giving me Pema vibes.

[Portia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight forward, logical approach to trauma and hardship.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a really useful book. Dr. Stearns clearly understands the grieving process. She provides a balanced exploration of what happens to to people during times of crisis, and helps readers to cope. I say balanced in that this isn't a typical 'self-help' book, lacking in depth, yet it isn't an overly technical, dry psychology book. The case histories and the overall writing style make the book very read friendly. Her arguments make sense and are backed up by good research. Readers who've read other work on the subject of grief, death, loss, crisis, etc., will find they may be familiar with some of the ideas already, but the presentation is fresh enough to keep this from being a big drawback. If you've gone through a major loss, or if you are personally or professionally trying to support someone who has, this is a great book to pick up.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old one but the way in which she lays out the process of healing after any significant loss is timeless. I would even recommend it for those who normally avoid self-help. It is honest and encouraging, a helpful combination.