Grief and Loss

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss are very natural but devastating parts of life. Many teens will never experience these feelings, but too many will. Studies show that 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them by age 18. 

Grief can also come in the form of a divorce, loss of a job or house, or loss of a relationship that was very important. You are not alone when you grieve. Let your School Counselor or another adult know if you are struggling, and take a minute to browse the resources below for more information and ideas.

Grief Support Groups for Teens and Families:

• Safe Harbor

• Center for Grieving Children in Philadelphia

• Peter’s Place – Radnor

• Skippack Center for Loss and Bereavement

Camps and Programs for Grieving Students and Families

• Grief Reach - Rediscovering Family, Rediscovering Fun is a program open to the community, provided by the David Bradley Children’s Bereavement Program of Penn Wissahickon Hospice. It is specifically designed for families in the second and third years following the death of a loved one.

• Camp Erin - At Camp Erin-Philadelphia, each camper has the opportunity to remember their loved one, develop grief skills and enjoy a positive camp experience. The camp is staffed by licensed social workers/counselors and trained community volunteers. 

Resources and Info:

• https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kenneth-j-doka/six-ways-that-adolescent-_b_5148211.html

• https://www.k4health.org/sites/default/files/HelpingTeensWorkThroughGrief.pdf

• https://www.compassionatefriends.org/

• http://www.survivorsofsuicide.com/