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Common Mental
Health Issues
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Providers:
List Your Services
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Recognizing Adolescent Grief and Loss
Adolescents experience grief in many different ways and not necessarily in the same order in predictable time frames. Grief can take on various attitudes and behaviours depending upon the personality of the adolescent and the significance of the loss.
- Anger: Adolescents may lash out in anger because they feel they have lost control of their life. It is normal to feel angry with the person who has died.
- Withdrawal: Adolescents may pull away from friends, drop out of clubs and sports or cancel plans.
- Inability to relate with peers: Relating to friends can become difficult because their friends' problems may seem trivial in comparison to their loss.
- Impatience: Adolescents may become impatient or irritated with others especially if someone complains about something trivial.
- Over Achievement: Adolescents may try to be their very best to make it easier for other family members to cope.
- Lack of focus: Adolescents may find it difficult to pay attention because their mind cannot shut off what has happened. They may become unfocused and unorganized.
- Drop in school grades: Because they are having a hard time focusing, grades may drop.
- Lack of Interest: Adolescents may develop a "why bother" attitude.
- Worry: Adolescents may not be able to stop worrying about their loved ones because of the fear that they might lose them also.
- Guilt: Adolescents may feel guilt because of something they have said/not said, thought, felt or wished about the person who died. They might even think that they could have prevented the death. They may also feel guilty for wanting to feel normal again.
- Overwhelming sadness: This can feel like an incredible weight that prevents adolescents from wanting to do anything.
- Loneliness: Adolescents can feel very isolated and different from their peers.
- No outward response: At school, Adolescents may act as if nothing has happened so they will not call attention to themselves. At home, they may try to act as if nothing is bothering them so their family won't be sad or worry about them.
- Sexual activity: Adolescents may engage in sexual activity to escape the pain and feel connected with someone.
- Drugs or alcohol: Adolescents may experiment with either or both as part of that "why bother" attitude or to mask or to stop the pain they feel.
- Unusual happenings: Adolescents may experience seeing or hearing the loved one that has died or have vivid dreams about them. Some teens find this comforting since it feels like a connection with their loved one. Others may find it uncomfortable. It can help to talk or write about it.
Types Of Grief and Loss
Links to Additional Online Information
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