How Teens and Adolescents Express Grief
Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)
Hypochondria
Mood swings/Irritability
Verbally expresses emotions
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Increase in
risk-taking and self-destructive behaviors
Anger, aggressive behavior, fighting; oppositional
Social Withdrawal, Withdrawal from adults
Sleeping and eating disorders
Depression
Inability to concentrate
Identity confusion
Test Limits
Ways to Help Teens and Tweens
Recognize that they will experience mood swings and
physical symptoms.
Encourage them to acknowledge their feelings
Respond with empathy.
Use honesty when explaining loss.
Help them develop their sense of identity
Encourage them to find positive outlets to express
themselves
Encourage physical and creative activities
Encourage preteens to make good choices
Allow them the independence to make no risk choices.
Labels: Adoption Awareness, Adoption Support, adoption transition, Attachment, Family, Kids and Teens, Medical Concerns, Parenting, Parenting Teens, School Age Children, Special Needs Adoption