How Can Teenagers Cope With The Loss Of A Loved One?

At one point or another in our lives, we all experience grief. Acknowledging that grief is a good start and time is a good healer. Where the healing process is concerned, whether you are an adult or a teenager, there are steps that each of us go through.

Depending on the teenager in question, they may try to hide their grief and feelings. Others may feel no hesitation whatsoever about grieving outwardly. Some people simply handle things like death differently than others. The steps of grief, however, are relatively the same, no matter the age of the individual experiencing it.

First of all, let’s look at the seven stages of grieving. After that, we’ll examine some ideas that can help you through the grieving process.

Grief – The Seven Stages

People grieve over the death of a loved one. They also grieve over other various situations throughout their lives. The following seven stages apply to grief in general and are experienced and handled differently by each and every individual.

• Denial and shock
• Guilt and pain
• Bargaining with God, frequently followed by anger
• Depression
• The turn upward
• Working through the situation and reconstructing your life
• Hope and acceptance

To ease the process of grieving for a teenager, here are some things you/they can do…

Join a Group For Support

Ask a religious leader, school counselor, or parent about a grief support group if you feel that joining one may be of assistance. You don’t have to be all alone with your pain and your feelings. This isn’t for everyone, but it does help a large number of people.

Hold onto Memories

Since you clearly can’t hold onto a loved one forever, hold on to their memory, but release the pain. Honor the person in whatever way you feel appropriate. Plant a garden or a tree. Take part in a walk or a charity run in their honor. The important thing is to create a tribute or memorial to them.

Discuss Your/Their Feelings

For some people, talking about feelings helps in dealing with them. It can help get your head around what you’re experiencing so that you can move past the way you’re currently feeling. Whether it’s anger, pain, sadness, or something else, talk about it with someone you trust.

Release/Express Emotions

If a good cry is coming on, don’t stop it! Don’t worry about showing your emotions in front of others. If they don’t approve, that’s their problem – not yours. Feeling sad after a death is natural. Pent-up feelings don’t do anyone any good.

Participate in Rituals

For many people, rituals are important. Funerals, memorial services, and other traditions help people work through their grief and better accept the death of a loved one. They may also be comforted by the presence of others.

American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory Can Help You through the Grieving Process

Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, death can be extremely hard to cope with. That’s why, at American Heritage Cemetery Funeral Home Crematory, we offer assistance to those having difficulty with the grieving process. Healing is essential. It is up to those left behind to grieve, heal, and carry on. That’s not always easy.

If you need to arrange a funeral, if you are having difficulty managing your grief, if you want to pre plan your funeral or that of a loved one, please contact us. Our family owned and operated business is comprised of compassionate, caring professionals who strive to make this difficult time easier for each and every one of our clients.