Just like adults, teenagers are also devastated by the sudden death of people they love. Take for instance when a parent, sibling, friend or relative dies, teenagers find it hard to bear. The loss can have such an overwhelming effect to the extent of causing depression or even provoking suicidal thoughts. They may even live with the trauma of losing a loved one for the rest of their lives if appropriate measures are not taken. Now we don’t want this to happen! And that is why parents, teachers and every well-meaning adult must ensure to help teens who are dealing with loss to overcome the experience and its associated pain.
Let me point out that unfortunately, many adults fail to understand the special need of teenagers dealing with the loss of a loved one. Some grownups [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][especially in villages] may even discourage grieving teenagers from expressing their sadness and sharing their grief. This is very bad and must not be allowed to keep happening. Parents, grandparents and other family members must be available to listen to the grieving teenagers and offer needful advice. Look out for the many signs that bereaved teenagers give off. Even teens who tend to hide their feelings a lot will still somehow let it known that they are grieving. It is the duty of the grownups to pay attention, observe and proffer help. Do not let your teenager suffer without help. Watch out for signs like:
- Symptoms of chronic depression, sleeping difficulties, restlessness and low self esteem
- Academic failure or indifference to school-related activities
- Deterioration of relationships with family and friends
- Risk-taking behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, fighting, and sexual experimentation
- Denying pain while at the same time acting overly strong or mature.
To help a teen who is having a particularly hard time with his or her loss, explore the full spectrum of counseling that are available- School counselors, church groups and private therapists are all appropriates resources that will be of help. It may also be that your teenager needs just a little more time and attention from you. The important thing though is that you provide the needed emotional support in times of grief. Never let a grieving teenager suffer alone.
Let it be known that the way adults respond to teenagers’ reaction to the loss of a dear one determines how fast teenagers overcome the loss. Do not ever assume that by not talking about the loss, teenagers are better off at recovering. The truth is they need adults to confirm that it’s all right to be sad and to feel a multitude of emotions when someone they love dies. They also usually need help understanding that the hurt they feel now won’t last forever. When ignored, teens may suffer more from feeling isolated than from the actual death itself. Worse yet, they feel all alone in their grief.
Indeed, with the right amount of love and understanding, adults can support teens through vulnerable times and help make experiences of loss less traumatic.
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