1.

Why TEENS are at risk

for grief in Carroll County

2. Teen Grief Characteristics

3. Intervention Strategies

CHANGE = LOSS = GRIEF

GRIEF:
Natural Unique Takes time Process

The Grief Spiral

Shock / Numbness

Yearning, Reorganization Searching, Protesting

Despair, Disorganization, Depression

 Nearing Adult Levels of Concept Worry about/ Preoccupation with Death Challenge Death Depression Fear of Looking Different Desire for independence

TEEN GRIEF EMOTIONS

Blame Fear

Hopelessness

Anger

Guilt

Betrayal

Sadness

Somatic Reactions of Teen Grief

Headaches Stomachaches Eating Problems Sleeping Problems

Behaviors / Risk Taking Behaviors Aggression

Possessiveness Pushing Limits Sexual Behaviors Alcohol and Drug Use Self Injurious Behaviors Suicide

COMPLICATED GRIEF
Risk Factors
Previous Loss

Previous Psychiatric Treatment Personality Absence of Spiritual Framework Relationship with the Deceased Kinship Manner of Death Multiple Deaths

RED FLAG CRITERIA

Suicidal thoughts or actions Chronic depression Sleeping difficulties Low self-esteem Isolation from family and friends Academic failure or over achievement Dramatic change in personality and attitude Eating disorders Drug and alcohol abuse Fighting or legal troubles Inappropriate sexual behaviors

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Sudden/Accidental Death

SHOCK RANDOMNESS / UNFAIRNESS HORROR PREVENTABILITY

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SUICIDE
OVERVIEW OF SUICIDE SURVIVORS
SHOCK WHY GUILT/ RESPONSIBILITY TRAUMATIZATION ANGER / REJECTION SHAME FUTURE SUICIDALITY

INTERVENTIONS GRIEF COUNSELING - understanding - monitoring - educational resources SUICIDE SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP - normalization

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THE FOUR TASKS OF A GRIEVING TEEN

1. Accept the Reality of the Loss 2. Experience the Pain of Grief 3. Adjust to Environment without the Deceased 4. Emotionally Relocate the Deceased and Move on with Life

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INTERVENTIONS / TOOLS
Rituals Memory Boxes, Scrapbooks, Mural, Collage Writing : Journals, Poetry, Letters, Guided Imagery Linking Objects : Quilts, Bracelets, Jewelry, Teddy Bears Magic Stone Music Circle of Grief Reading Releasing Butterflies Balloons EDUCATION

Support Groups Tactile Instruments Counseling Ball Grief Conversation Cards

Talk / Listen

Another Resource: Healing Your Grieving Heart For Teens by Alan Wolfelt

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Suggestions for Parents / Guardians

Be There for your Children

Make a Memory Book

Plan Cemetery Visits Prepare a Commemorative Meal Share Stories

Read New Traditions / Old Traditions

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