Monday, June 1, 2009

Feeling Down: The Way Back Up

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Author/Authors: Roxane Brown Kunz and Judy Harris Swenson

Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed:
SUICIDE

Year of Publication:
1986

Publisher & Location:
Dillon Press, Inc Minneapolis, MN

ISBN#:
0-87518-326-3

Target Age Level:
Upper elementary

# of Pages
: 37

Quality of Illustrations:
There are minimal illustrations which are drawings.

Brief Summary:
This book is from a siblings point of view about his sister’s attempted suicide. It portrays his questions, anger and confusion about what his sister did. The family talks to a therapist who helps them learn how to communicate better. There are signs that are listed for suicide. This book may be a good resource to use when helping siblings cope with a family member who has attempted suicide.

Post reading activity:
  1. Try different activities that can help reduce stress. Have the individuals write down which things they like doing. Some examples can be to paint, color, work with clay, listen to music, dancing, bike riding, swimming, sports, yoga or other relaxation techniques. Have each individual keep a list of the activities so that they can use it as a reminder of things to try when they are stressed.
  2. If working with several individuals, try working on communication by doing a compliment circle. Everyone sits in the circle and thinks of one nice thing to say about someone else in the circle. However, everyone has to receive a compliment so only each person can receive one compliment. The individual who receives the compliment needs to listen carefully and say thank you. If working with a family, have them try doing this each night around the dinner table or before bed.

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