The Grief Brigade

(2 of 2)

That kind of sound bite appeals to a generation raised on Oprah, but some psychologists are skeptical. George Bonanno, assistant professor of psychology at the Catholic University of America, studied bereaved individuals over 25 months. He found that those who focused on their pain, either by talking about it or displaying it in their facial expressions, tended to have more trouble sleeping and maintaining everyday functions. In other words, there may be benefits to the discredited practice of keeping a stiff upper lip.

Such misgivings should not cast doubt on the sincere goodwill of people who lend their help to survivors of tragedy. Even as many victims of last week's tornadoes declined help, counselors handed out leaflets and toll-free numbers "just in case." And some of those victims may need it. At nearly 140 schools in the Denver area, students have reported problems ranging from instances of regression (such as bed-wetting and wanting to share a bed with parents) to anxiety and depression. In Oklahoma City, victims of the 1995 bombing still undergo counseling (the Red Cross has 40 cases open), and at least six people closely linked to the carnage have committed suicide. Moved by Demeter's anguish, Zeus intervened so that Persephone could return to her mother for part of the year. Modern tragedies are not so easily repaired.