Grief and Support When Therapists Die
Re 'Losing a Therapist,' by Ellen Barry (Science Times, Aug. 5):
I felt incredible relief when reading Ms. Barry's article; an all-too-often taboo subject made it into The New York Times.
As someone who has lost three analysts to death, I know firsthand the isolation and unfathomable grief that comes from losing the person who knows you best of all, but who has nevertheless remained a stranger in the 'real world' you inhabit.
Seeing Ms. Barry's article demonstrated that this once unspoken and fraught subject has become more mainstream, that therapists are more likely to plan for their own demise because they truly understand what's at stake for their patients and that patients experiencing potentially overwhelming grief will feel more supported and less alone.
Claudia HeilbrunnNew YorkThe writer is the editor of 'What Happens When the Analyst Dies: Unexpected Terminations in Psychoanalysis.'
To the Editor:
Thank you for your excellent article about a huge problem in the field of psychotherapy. We therapists and psychoanalysts often do not prepare for our deaths — and while we spend our careers listening to and caring for patients, examining every nuance of our patients' reactions to our vacations and other absences, we often do not prepare them to face our final departure.
Nor do we prepare each other. We rarely speak of our illness or suffering professionally. What usually happens is that a therapist or analyst just gradually attends fewer and fewer meetings, teaches fewer classes, sees fewer patients and then disappears from the scene altogether. And we do little to support each other.
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The One Supplement You Should Never, Ever Take If You Have High Blood Pressure
The One Supplement You Should Never, Ever Take If You Have High Blood Pressure originally appeared on Parade. If you have high blood pressure, you're likely already aware of the foods you should minimize. Bacon, cheesy entrees, soda and pastries should all only be consumed in moderation. You probably know what you should prioritize too, namely lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, chicken and you've looked into herbal supplements as a way to further lower your blood pressure. After all, herbs are high in antioxidants, which means they support cardiovascular health, right? While it's true that most herbs are beneficial for heart health—and a great way to add flavor to food in place of salt—there is one herbal supplement that cardiologists warn against taking if you have high blood pressure. It sounds beneficial, but the reality is that it can do more harm than good, and even be dangerous. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 The Supplement To Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure We talked to three cardiologists and they all say that people with high blood pressure should avoid taking licorice supplements. 'Licorice root can raise blood pressure by causing sodium retention and potassium loss. This leads to an imbalance that places strain on the cardiovascular system and may lead to serious complications in people with hypertension, says Dr. David G. Rizik, MD,an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at High Level Science. Dr. Khashayar Hematpour, MD, a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston, says this too. 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This includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, whole grains and fatty fish, along with regular physical activity and seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night.' If you do want to take a supplement that supports your cardiovascular health, Dr. Rizik recommends an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. But you can also get this heart-healthy nutrient by consuming fatty fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds. Diet can play a powerful role in managing blood pressure, but when it comes to taking any supplements, it's best to talk to your doctor first. That way, if you do decide to take a supplement, you'll know it's truly supporting your cardiovascular health. Up Next:Sources Dr. David G. Rizik, MD,interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at High Level Science Dr. Khashayar Hematpour, MD, cardiologist with Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston Dr. Rohit Vuppuluri, DO, interventional and vascular cardiologist at Chicago Heart & Vascular Specialists The One Supplement You Should Never, Ever Take If You Have High Blood Pressure first appeared on Parade on Aug 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
