- Allow the teen to grieve
for as long as she/he wants to grieve. While for parents it
can double the hurt of your own grief to see your son or
daughter hurting, you need to allow them to feel the hurt as
the only healthy way to get through this hard time is to go
through it. Having a healthy grieving time will allow your
teen to come to feel the acceptance of the loss and give him/her
the ability to remember the loved one without the hurt.
- Understand their loss
extends past the death of a loved one. Teens are
learning where their place is in this vast world. The loss
of a loved one shakes up a teen’s understanding of the world
around him/her. This is especially true of teens who lose peers
in accidents and similar losses.
- Establish or maintain
healthy constructive
habits and routines. This will help your teen feel
normal and safe. It will remind her/him of the firm and loving
foundation family offers.
- Encourage your teen to
reach out for something bigger than him/herself. Group
counseling services, youth group activities, talking with
his minister, etc. All of these things have one thing in
common, they allow your teen to see a connection between him/herself
and the bigger world around. Your teen will come to understand
that he/she is not alone in this world and others have gone
through these hard times too.
- Watch for the serious warning signs of depression. If you find your teen is having problems beyond grieving or you are unable to help your teen because you are grieving, please call your doctor for information on services in your local area and follow through by attending them.
While this is not a complete list, it is a start. Most of all, together we will find our way.
If you need/want to talk to a counsellor here at ESDHS, please do not hesitate to contact me:
Tom O'Malley
School Counselor
Phone: (902) 889-4025 Ex. 7701005