Teen’s Natural Grief Response

Typical Reactions to the Death:

• 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 stomach aches, 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
• Drop in grades or increase in academic problems
• Using drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope
• Desire to end the pain through drugs, alcohol or suicidal thoughts*

*Suicidal thoughts or talk should be taken seriously and always require professional attention

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 dies
• Find a way to have some fun, laugh, see a funny movie or TV show
• Make a list of your strengths, things you like about yourself
• 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
• Call Teen Line Number (800/TLC-TEEN) or crisis intervention line 800/999-9999.
• Call OUR HOUSE for grief support