By: Carrie Frey
The loss of a loved one is a life-changing experience for anyone.
For children and teens, processing grief can be extra hard. Children are just learning how to understand, manage, and control their emotions to begin with. Add in a significant loss and we have to tread carefully.
Children may regress in their development, may have unexplained outbursts or tantrums, may digress in school with poor grades or negative behaviors, alcohol and drugs, or run away.
Anyone going through a loss, experiences grief differently. No two people process the same and it can ebb and flow in many different ways
There are many stages of grief that people have heard about.
Denial.
Denial is a way we defend and protect ourselves. We put it off, allowing us more time to process and numb the effects and feelings of the loss.
Anger.
Anger allows us to mask the pain that we feel, replacing it with irrational feelings toward others or things.
Bargaining.
Bargaining gives us a way to regain control over our lives. We ask the “what ifs, and if only.” questions.
Depression.
Depression is the quiet phase, it can be overwhelming and uncontrollable; You may isolate yourself from others, be sad, want to stay in bed, and process the loss.
Acceptance.
Acceptance is understanding that the loss has happened and understanding how it has impacted your life. This doesn’t mean you are over it, it means you understand it and can recognize the sadness and be okay.
All of these are normal and healthy. People go through the stages at different paces and can go back and forth. But it is important to get help from a grief counselor if you feel stuck at one stage or another.
Grief Counseling in Tampa or online in Florida can help.
Along with grief counseling, WellMinded Counseling has found that there are other local resources for children that can help as well.
Suncoast Kids - Camp Erin - Camp Dates: April 12-14, 2024 in Hudson, FL.
Camp Erin Tampa Bay is a free, weekend bereavement camp for youth who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Children and teens ages 6 to 17 attend a weekend camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities.
Blue Butterfly from Tidewell Foundation in Manatee County
The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center is a program of Tidewell Grief Care. Our mission is to serve children ages 5-18 and their caregivers by providing a safe space to grieve and process a significant death in their lives.
Most importantly, help is out there - reach out!
Get Help Through Grief Counseling in Tampa, FL Today!
At WellMinded Counseling in Tampa, FL, we understand the unique challenges that come with grieving, especially for children and teens. Grief can take on many forms, affecting their emotional and developmental well-being. If you or your loved ones find yourselves struggling to cope with the stages of grief, remember that professional help is just a phone call away. Our compassionate and experienced grief counselors are here to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate the complexities of loss. You don't have to go through this journey alone.
Don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.
Schedule your first appointment for grief counseling
Take the first step towards healing.
OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING in Tampa, Florida
Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:
Contact our Tampa, Florida office today!