the etiquette of illness

What to Say When You Can't Find the Words

Susan P. Halpern, CSW

What do I do to help my neighbor during her recovery from a car accident?

How do I talk to my husband about his newly diagnosed terminal illness?

How do I ask my doctor about his sick wife?

The Etiquette of Illness is a wise and encouraging collection of anecdotes to help navigate the complex terrain of illness. It is for anyone who feels awkward or unsure of how to respond when faced with a friend or relative who is suffering. It is also for people who are newly diagnosed and want ideas on how to respond to the concerns of their loved ones. We read about the experiences of a range of people, including both caregivers and patients, who are finding their way with words and deeds of compassion. Not a how-to book, these true-life experiences reveal many ways to communicate effectively and lovingly.

Drawing on her years of counseling people dealing with serious illness, as well as her own cancer diagnosis, Susan Halpern presents an etiquette book of the utmost relevance for patients, their caregivers, and their family and friends - a group which will at some point include all of us.

Susan P. Halpern is a social worker and psychotherapist. She is the founder of the New York Cancer Help Program and a staff associate at the Commonweal Cancer Help Program. Susan lives in Berkeley, California with her husband, near her children and grandchildren. This is her first book.

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