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HELPING GRIEVING TEENS
July 13, 2021
HELPING GRIEVING TEENS
As parents and caregivers its sometimes difficult to know how to best help teenagers who are grieving. Everyone will grieve in a way that is individual to them but there are some common responses including:
Sadness Shock/disbelief Fear, guilt, anger, regret, relief, confusion
Difficulty concentrating Sleep problems/appetite changes
As well as these Children and adolescents may also react by:
Not wanting to go to school Acting out/disruptive behaviour Hyperactivity
Preoccupation with death/wanting details
It’s important to remember:
• Your child is the expert in their grief
• We all grieve differently and have different needs
• Inclusion creates empowerment
• Tears/crying are a normal healthy expression (although this can be hard for parents to see their child in distress)
• They need to be heard
How can you help?
• Open and honest communication – talk with them about the loss but also respect their choice if they are not ready to talk. Check in with them regularly in case they change their mind.
• Recognise and reassure them that its okay to have different grieving styles.
• Teens often look to peers for support rather than parents – support and encourage connection with friends.
• Help them to find ways of expression and connection through things such as writing, blogs, memorials, photos, creative artwork, music/dance.
Causes or concern:
• Dramatic changes in personality
• Antisocial/violent behaviours
• Excessive guilt or self-blame related to the death
• Risk taking/dangerous behaviour
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Illegal behaviour
• Ongoing thoughts of suicide or self-harming behaviours
• Extended withdrawal or isolation from family and friends
• Prolonged sleet and/or eating problems
This may indicate they are finding it difficult to cope and professional support should be sought.
The Southern Highlands Bereavement Care Service provides counselling for Adults, Adolescents and Children. No health care plan is required, and referral can be made by direct contact on 48 621701.
Our booklet “I Can Do It But It’s Still Hard”
can be downloaded from our website at www.shbcs.org.au
or you can obtain a free hard copy from the centre.
(Content contained here adapted from information from the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement)