Why Do Human Remains Develop an Odor?

Upon death, a human body nearly immediately begins the process of decomposing or breaking down. While this biological reality is unpleasant, understanding the essential elements of this process is helpful. This includes having a basic appreciation of why a body begins to smell in the aftermath of a death. The Biological Processes After Death When…

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Suicide Rates in Los Angeles

Headlines from the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets in Southern California convey the grim reality that suicide impacts the lives of many different types of people. Man Throws Wife to Street, Kills Self Slaying Suspect Barricades Self, Commits Suicide Man, 35, Dies in Leap From Downtown Courthouse Actor Jerry Van Dyke’s Daughter Found Hanged Studio…

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Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Interview: Bereavement and Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services established the Survivors After Suicide program in 1980. A former participant in the program explained the mission of the program. Ben agreed to an interview and asked that only his first name be used. He explained that Survivors After Suicide is to provide support for people bereaving the suicide of…

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How Common is Hoarding?

Hoarding is defined as a mental health disorder, according to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. Hoarding is exemplified by persistent difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions. A hoarder has some powerful perceived need to maintain possession of these items. Indeed, a hoarder experiences profound distress when thinking about parting with possessions. Ultimately, excessive accumulation of…

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