Being an adolescent is difficult. It’s a time of life where teens are asserting their independence and are coping with a flood of emotions.  When grief and sorrow are added to this already vulnerable time in life, teens face incredible challenges. 

It’s crucial to understand teens and grief, especially how adolescents cope with grief differently from younger children. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you can do to help your teen as they struggle with the loss of someone dear to them. Always remember that your 3HC family is here for you through our bereavement services and our grief counseling for teens. Our professional counselors have received extensive training in assisting teens who are experiencing grief.

How Does Grief Affect Teens Differently Than Younger Children? 

Remember that teens are often still discovering “who they are.” They may experiment with different roles as they continue to create an identity that is separate from their parents and relatives. Many adolescents are moody, and this can complicate matters; it can be difficult to determine what is common teen behavior and what is indicative of an emotional struggle to manage grief. 

This means that while they understand the finality of death, they may also consider other philosophical aspects, such as pondering the meaning of life or even denial of the loss.

What Are Common Ways Teens React To Loss?

As we mentioned earlier, the teen years are already an intensely emotional phase of life, and when exploring teens and grief, some of the ways they may react to loss include:

• Difficulty processing emotions
• Survivor’s guilt
• Flashbacks
• Issues with attention span–either difficulty concentrating or going the opposite direction by being a perfectionist. 
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger
• Confusion
• Fear
• Hypervigiliance
• Avoidance
• Suicidal ideation (If you believe that you or someone you love is suicidal, contact the suicide hotline by dialing 988 or call 9-1-1)
• Some teens may engage in self-harm, so be wary of any unexplained cut marks on their skin

In addition, you may notice that the teen in your life seems to be taking more risks than usual, engaging in reckless driving and perhaps experimenting with substance abuse. They may even push their family away—or take the opposite extreme and embrace a caregiving role. Grief counseling for teens can help them work through these difficult emotions.

Grief Can Also Have Physical Symptoms

It’s not unusual for those undergoing intense grief to have physical issues such as:

• Stomachaches
• Backaches
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Nightmares
• Either eating too much or too little

How Can I Support My Grieving Teen?

First, it’s important that your child understands that they are loved and that you are always available to speak with them. That being said, there may be times when they do not want to talk as they wrestle with their own feelings. 

Our grief counselors have specific and extensive training in helping young people navigate the difficult path of teens and grief. Some ways you can support your teen include:

• Sticking to their regular routine as much as possible
• Watching your teen for subtle signs of grief, recognizing that they may be attempting to hide their feelings
• Encouraging and supporting healthy habits—including nutrition and getting plenty of sleep
• Giving them outlets to express themselves, such as music, journaling or art.
• Providing opportunities for physical activities and exercise to relieve stress and provide another healthy outlet 

It’s also critical to ensure you’re modeling healthy behavior when coping with your own grief. It may also benefit your teen to know that you’re going to grief counseling and the positive methods you’re using to cope with loss. 

Wings Camp for Grieving Children for Those Ages 8 – 16

If your teen is 16 years old or younger, they can participate in our Wings Camp, a camp specifically designed for grieving children and teens. Through various activities, campers are able to interact and form bonds with those who are going through similar challenges. 

Are you interested in Wings Camp for your teen? If so, simply complete this Wings Camp CAMPER Application and we will be in touch with you. 

There is no cost to attend Wings Camp.

Is Your Teen Struggling? Has Your Family Experienced a Loss? Let Our Family Care for Yours

Remember that you and your teen do not have to face this difficult time alone. We provide a safe space to express emotions. In addition, our certified and experienced counselors enable the healing process to begin and continue. 

We invite you to reach out & discover how to get care for your child.