Help with Grief

When coping with a death, you may go through all kinds of emotions. You may be sad, worried, or scared. You might be shocked, unprepared, or confused. You might be feeling angry, cheated, relieved, guilty, exhausted, or just plain empty. Your emotions might be stronger or deeper than usual or mixed together in ways you've never experienced before.

Some people find they have trouble concentrating, studying, sleeping, or eating when they're coping with a death. Others lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Some people lose themselves in playing computer games or eat or drink to excess. And some people feel numb, as if nothing has happened.  All of these are normal ways to react to a death. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please check in with your school counselor or a trusted adult.

https://www.southbayfamiliesconnected.org/help-grief 

Common reactions and ways to cope

If you are suffering the loss of a loved one or significant life change, such as divorce, you are probably having many hurtful and scary thoughts and feelings right now. Together those thoughts and feelings are called grief, which is a normal (though really difficult) thing everyone goes through after someone they love has died. Below is a list of NATURAL and NORMAL grief responses. Talking and crying are important parts of the healing process. If these symptoms persist, or increase in frequency, severity or duration, a physician or counselor should be consulted. (Source: Our House, Grief Support Center)

Typical Reactions to the Death of a loved one:

• Trouble with falling asleep, staying asleep, or an increase in sleeping

• Change in eating habits (eating more, eating less, or eating more junk/comfort foods)

• Decreased energy or increase in feeling tired/fatigued

• Crying often or unable to cry

• Decreased interest in (or withdrawing from) friends, family, sports, normal activities

• Difficulty concentrating, losing focus, or forgetting things

• Health problems such as stomachaches, headaches, or increased clumsiness

• Impulsive behaviors, reckless driving, or other self-destructive behaviors

• Problem with parents, teachers, or other authority figures

• Dreams about the person who died, or an increase in nightmares

• Intrusive thoughts, remembering images about the death or memories of the person

 Teens Suggest These Ways to Cope with Grief Feelings:

• Talk with someone you trust

• Exercise, play sports

• Listen to favorite music or music that reminds you of the person who died

• Find a way to have some fun, laugh, see a funny movie, TV show or video game

• Make a list of your strengths, things you like about yourself

• Practice deep breathing: Count to 10 when you feel stressed, angry and/or overwhelmed

• Volunteer (i.e., animal shelter, hospital, school, etc.)

• Take a walk at the beach or somewhere in nature

• Wash your face with cool water

• Scream into a pillow or into a backpack

• Paint or draw a picture

• Journal, write a poem or letter

https://www.southbayfamiliesconnected.org/help-grief