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.
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