Grief & Loss
Grief and Loss
When coping with a death or loss, 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.
If you are suffering the loss of a loved one or significant life change, such as your parent's separation or 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 common 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
Source: www.southbayfamiliesconnected.org/help-grief