Helping a teenager grieving the loss of a loved one after they go to funeral homes Johnstown, PA, has its own set of challenges. Just like an adult, a grieving teenager may be afflicted by a rollercoaster of mixed emotions and think, feel, and react to death in their own unique ways. It makes it difficult to know what to say or how to support them during these tough times.
How a teenager is taking up the loss depends a lot on their relationship with the deceased, how the loved one has died, their support system, and their unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to combating stress and grief. For this reason, all you can do at the very best is to generalize what a bereaving teenager may be going through.
How to Help
Based on research, the grownups seeking to care for and support a grieving teen can help them in the following ways:
Be a Companion
The best way to help a bereaved teen get past the grief is to be their companion and confidante. Generally, teenagers tend to break away from their parents or close adults in using them as a confidante and instead share their stories, emotions, and personal feelings with friends. You need to win their confidence and be their “best friends.”
Let them know you’re always there for them and their grief matter as much as anyone else’s.
Respect Their Emotions
You shouldn’t force yourself upon them or tell them how to grief or most importantly, what not to do. If they want to socialize with friends, let it be. Always respect their way of grieving and be patient unless they are planning to self-harm or to do something dangerous.
Keep reminding them of your unconditional support and care for them, should they ever need you.
Don’t Generalize Their Emotions
Teenage years are complicated times full of complex hormonal changes, learning and reinforcing outlook about life and death, and working out who you are. You can never predict what they are going through.
Even if the deceased was not close to the teen, they may still be profoundly afflicted by it. So, never assume how they might be feeling. Be their support system, first and foremost.
Boost Their Morale
One major pitfall of grief is feelings of low morale and self-esteem. A bereaved person lacks the energy to indulge in healthy and fun activities which further worsens the grieving journey.
As a responsible and caring adult, you should try to boost their confidence and encourage them to take part in activities or sports they are good at. They’d get a lot better when they start having moments of fun and happiness.
Keep Tabs on Them
You can give them space and freedom to grieve as they wish, but always keep eyes on them. A grieving teen is vulnerable and can easily be led astray by their emotions.
That’s why to keep tabs on their activities and not let any major rule-breaking go unnoticed – especially if their health or safety is at stake.
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