Grief & trauma
Young people who experience the loss of a loved one can have a strong emotional response that they don’t fully understand. Parents, educators and peer supporters can help teenagers and young adults manage the pain and discover ways to cope and recover. Find local resources available to support young people in Stark County as they deal with the effects of grief and trauma.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline/Youth Mobile Response
If a child is experiencing a severe mental health concern and you are worried about their safety, call the crisis hotline right away. Intake specialists are available 24 hours a day to offer free, confidential support.
For teens and young adults who require mental health support in their homes, at school or in various other community settings, help is just a phone call away.
The loss of a friend or family member can be extremely hard on teens and young adults. Difficult losses affect everyone at some point in their lives, and the grieving process is very different from one person to the next. If you or someone you know is showing the following signs, a grief counselor may be able to help:
Physical signs
- Constantly tired with trouble sleeping
- Feeling anxious, irritable and unable to sit still
- Frequent aches, pains and discomfort
- Weight fluctuations and changes in eating behaviors
Grief stages
- Denial after the immediate shock of the loss
- Anger aimed at people or things in an attempt to mask pain and vulnerability
- Bargaining, or asking “what if” questions to try to change the outcome
- Depression and deep mourning with feelings of sadness and regret
- Acceptance of the loss with a sense of peace and hope for the future
References
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, counseling and support could provide comfort during this difficult time. Reach out to schedule a visit with a provider near you. There are many community organizations offering compassionate care right here in Stark County.
Child Mind Institute Trauma and Grief Guide
Resources, parenting advice and treatment recommendations for young people suffering from trauma and grief.
Grief.com
Events, articles and information to help support people of all ages who are coping with grief.
HelpGuide.org Grief Resources
Articles and guides to support people after the loss of a loved one.
National Alliance for Grieving Children
Toolkits, articles and guides for grieving children as they recover from trauma and loss.
Open to Hope
Helping people who have experienced grief and loss to find hope in recovery.
Signs of Complicated Grief
Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment recommendations from Mayo Clinic.