Supporting Young People Through Grief and Loss

Losing people close to us or close to our family and friends can be a difficult time for everyone. A few simple tips for creating open and supportive conversations to support young people through grief and loss are:

Make time – ensure you have plenty of time so the conversation doesn’t feel rushed.

Be honest – it’s better to be truthful if you don’t know what to say or how to cope. You can simply say ‘I don’t know what to say right now but I want you to know I am always here to listen and support you’.

Be present – remove distractions so you can listen carefully.

Avoid talking about yourself – position them and their experience as the focal point.

Take their lead – if they want the conversation to be brief, don’t keep pressing them to talk.

Keep communication open between your child and yourself. Generally, people find things get easier with time, without the need for professional help. However, it is important to get help if the young person’s grief is persistent or severe. Signs that professional help might be needed include:

High levels of distress

Feelings of hopelessness, intense sadness or depression

Withdrawal for a long period of time from family, friends, community, activities and school/study/work

Dangerous, violent or illegal behaviour

Strong feelings of guilt or self-blame

Recurring thoughts of death, self-harm or suicide

Please look after yourselves and reach out for any support.

Sources:

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/grief-and-loss/

https://www.ruok.org.au/supporting-someone-through-grief-and-loss

Mental Health Resources

Kids Helpline or 1800 551 800

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Also has fact sheets and information about a range of topics for parents to support their children.

Head to Health

Access to trusted mental health and wellbeing information, online programs and digital resources.

Beyond Blue

Learn more about depression and anxiety or talk it through with our support service.

Phone: 1300 224 636 (24/7)

Email or chat online

eheadspace

A confidential, free and secure space where young people aged 12 to 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.

Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am – 1am everyday)

Lifeline

Access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.

Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)

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