Bereaved mothers to talk on maternal grief and the social support they need at York U speaker series

Share

TORONTO, January 21, 2013 – Two bereaved mothers — York U Professor Deborah Davidson and Helena Stahls, an external volunteer — will talk on maternal grief and the kind of support bereaving mothers need from others to help cope with their grief, at an upcoming Women’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Speaker Series event by the Echo Chair of Women’s Mental Health Research, Jan. 23.

Davidson, whose perinatal losses have driven much of her research work in sociology, will focus her presentation on maternal grief and offer suggestions on how others may help in living with such a loss.

Helena Stahls, who lost her 34-year-old daughter to suicide, will read a posthumous letter she wrote to her daughter. She volunteers with Bereaved Families of Ontario-Halton/Peel Region and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, among other efforts in memory of Donna, who suffered from bipolar disorder and Crohn’s disease.

WHAT:  Women’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Speaker Series: Maternal Grief and the Need for Social Support, a presentation by Deborah Davidson, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies; and Helena Stahls, volunteer, Bereaved Families of Ontario-Halton/Peel Region (both the speakers are available for interview before and after the event.)

WHERE:  York University, Keele Campus, 280N York Lanes (building #24 on map)

WHEN:  Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, 12:00pm-1:00pm

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fullyengaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges.York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca