Warning Signs

Teens who are having serious problems with grief and loss may show one or more of these signs:

an extended period of depression in which the teen loses interest in daily activities and events
inability to sleep, loss of appetite, prolonged fear of being alone
acting much younger for an extended period
excessively imitating the dead person
repeated statements of wanting to join the dead person
withdrawal from friends
sharp drop in school performance or refusal to attend school
lack of concentration
declining grades
over-activity, acting too busy
drug or alcohol use
risk-taking behavior
self-destructive, antisocial, or criminal behavior
suicidal thoughts

These warning signs indicate that professional help may be needed.

To help a teen who is having a particularly hard time with his or her loss, explore the full spectrum of helping services in your community. School counselors, church groups and private therapists are appropriates resources for some young people, while others may just need a little more time and attention from caring adults like you. The important thing is that you help the grieving teen find safe and nurturing emotional outlets at this difficult time.