The death of a loved one is one of the hardest things a person can go through, no matter their age. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by sadness, anger, and confusion when someone close to you dies. If you’re a teenager, you might feel like you’re all alone in your grief—but know that you’re not. Grief is a universal experience, and some people can help.
Are you looking for professional help in dealing with unresolved grief or a difficult loss for yourself or a teenage loved one? Contact Imagine Nampa in Idaho at 888.503.4604 to ask someone from our compassionate and caring staff about our grief and loss therapy for teens. You or someone you care about shouldn’t deal with losing a loved one alone. Coping with loss is a natural part of life, but sometimes professional help is needed to move on and heal properly.
What Is Grief?
Grief is the natural response to losing something or someone important to you. It’s normal, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with day-to-day—especially if everything reminds you of why you’re coping with loss. You might experience different feelings after a loss, and it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. Some common symptoms of grief include:
- Feeling numb or disconnected from the world around you
- Feeling guilty or blaming yourself for the death
- Experiencing intense sadness and longing for the person who died
- Feeling anger, even towards the person who died
- Having trouble sleeping or eating
- Having intrusive thoughts about the death
- Avoiding people or places that remind you of the person who died
- Feeling hopeless or like your life will never be the same
When grief goes unresolved for some time, it can result in emotional trauma. Unresolved grief and trauma can affect daily living in several ways. It can be challenging to focus on anything else when you’re coping with loss, and the trauma of the death can linger long after the initial shock has passed. You may find it hard to concentrate in school or to maintain friendships. It’s common to feel isolated and alone during this time, but it’s essential to know that you’re not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help.
If you’re experiencing unresolved grief or trauma, consider seeking professional help. Grief and loss therapy for teens can be an immense help during a difficult time.
How Do You Help Teens Coping with Loss?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with losing a loved one, you must encourage them to seek help or resolve the grief that’s bringing them down. For example, you can encourage a grieving teenager to:
- Talk about feelings with someone who will listen without judging
- Write about experiences in a journal
- Spend time outside in nature
- Exercise or do another activity that makes them feel good
- Be around friends and family members who make them feel safe and loved
- Do something to honor the memory of the person who died, like planting a tree in their honor
Losing a loved one is never easy, and it can be even harder for teenagers coping with loss. The death of a loved one can leave teens feeling numb or disconnected from the world around them. They may feel guilty or blame themselves. It’s common to experience intense sadness and longing for the person who died. Some teenagers may find it hard to sleep or eat, while others may avoid people or places that remind them of their loved ones who died.
What Is the Proper Way to Cope with Losing a Loved One?
Everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no wrong way to grieve. Some people might feel sadness, anger, or confusion after a loss. It’s normal to experience various emotions after a loved one dies. Grief can also affect daily living, making it hard to focus on anything else.
Some people find comfort in talking about their loved ones that have passed on, while others prefer not to speak about them. Some people might often cry, while others might not cry at all. Some people might find solace in religion, while others do not. The best way to cope with loss is whatever way works best for you as an individual. If you’re struggling to find what works for you, consider talking to a therapist who can help guide you through the grieving process.
Find Grief and Loss Therapy in Idaho at Imagine Nampa
If you or a teenage loved one is struggling with grief in Idaho, reach out to Imagine Nampa today at 888.503.4604 and ask someone from our compassionate and caring staff about our grief and loss therapy for teens.