Teenage Bereavement: Coping with the Loss Of A Loved One

By Anis Alibhai

Losing a loved one is never easy and it can be especially difficult for teenagers. The teenage years are a time of significant personal and emotional growth, and the loss of a loved one can have a profound impact on a teenager’s development. In this blog post, we will explore the unique challenges that teenagers face when coping with bereavement, as well as some strategies for helping them through the grieving process.

One of the biggest challenges teens face when coping with bereavement is that they are in the process of developing their sense of self. They are figuring out who they are and what they want out of life. The loss of a loved one can make this process difficult. They may feel that their sense of self has been shattered, or they may struggle to understand how to move forward without their loved one by their side.

When coping with bereavement, teenagers may feel isolated; they may feel that no one understands what they are going through and they may struggle to find people to talk to about their feelings. This sense of isolation can lead to loneliness and depression, which can make  the grieving process even more difficult.

Many things can be actioned to help teenagers cope with bereavement. Most importantly, parents and caregivers need to be there for their teen. This means being available to listen and offer support, without judging or trying to fix the problem. Demonstrating patience is critical because the grieving process can take time. Rushing difficult emotions is not helpful for teens. 

Encourage teens to express their feelings. This can be done through writing, drawing, or other forms of creative expression. Expressing feelings can teens process their experience of loss and begin to heal. Healing can look different for different people. For some, it may mean finding the words to express how one feels, or for others, it may mean moving forward and learning how to cope with difficult feelings. 

Providing structure and routine for teens can be immensely helpful. Setting up a regular schedule for meals, homework, and other activities are some examples of creating structure. This can help a teen experience a sense of normalcy and stability in their life, which is vital during a time of significant uncertainty.

Finally, connecting with others who have experienced loss can be comforting to teens. This may include experiences with support groups or counselling, and can also include conversations with family or friends who have experienced loss. A simple conversation around a shared experience can provide teens with a knowing sense that they are not alone in their struggle with grief. With support and guidance, teenagers can acknowledge hard feelings and move forward. 

If you, or someone you know, is searching for bereavement support, check out Bereaved Families of Ontario: Bereavement support groups for parents and young adults.