Living with dying.

This video consists of six half-hour long programmes, introduced by Martyn Lewis, looking at many asects of death and dying. Programme 1 argues that taking a few moments to think about the end of our own lives, talking with family and friends about our wishes regarding organ donation, burial or cremation and getting round to making a will can be the best present we can leave behind. Programme 2 deals with terminal illness; to be told that you only have a short time to live may seem like the worst possible news, but strangely, people in this position have talked positively about a 'gift of time.' Programme 3: Is the moment of death a time to fear? This programme explores how to come to terms with death; does seeing the body help the grieving process and how should children be involved? Programme 4 looks at the practical problems surrounding death, including how to register a death and who needs to be notified. The programme also gives some pointers to the funerals that are available, including a humanist service. Programme 5 is about the problems encountered in the early stages of bereavement. The feeling of loss takes many forms. The complications of guilt - the 'could I have done more' syndrome in the case of suicide or violent death. Also explained is how people can try and help the bereaved. Programme 6 is the final programme and recaps the series through the experience of a couple whose four year old daughter died of leukemia eighteen months previously. The couple reflect on the ways they found to deal with loss and chart other people's reaction to them during their grieving. The programme also explores the difficulties most people have in trying to rebuild their lives after a bereavement.