By: Taylor Hardee
Abstract
What is meant by the word grief?
The true definition of grief is obscure or confused by many, being considered interchangeable with such diagnoses as depression or sadness. However, there is a more specific meaning to the word, and its definition becomes even more particular in the case of adolescence.
● Grief is the natural reaction to a loss, something that is both personal and worldwide at the same time.
○ Loss - Examples can refer to loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a
relationship or way of life, etc. The causes of grief are vast and consequently hard to
pinpoint
● Experts have found that the process is uncontrollable and takes varying amounts of time, and thus there is little to do except understand the cause of suffering and slowly come to accept it (Mayo Clinic, 2016).
What causes grief for teenagers?
Grief for teenagers is especially complicated, as many things at this time in life can trigger the natural reaction. It is important to recognize the cause of the suffering, so as to slowly come to terms with its lingering existence.
● Approximately 5% of children experience the death of one or both parents by age 15 in America, marking the death of a parent as a somewhat-common cause of teenage grief.
● Being diagnosed with a certain debilitating illness can lead to a feeling of loss for the life an adolescent previously held. If the illness is terminal, one may grieve the loss of their own life and the ability to experience or achieve the things they once could (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
○ Debilitating illnesses can range in severity or name; the main factor in
their being considered “debilitating” is the great negative impact they have on
teenage life/health
● Divorce is another common cause of adolescent grief, with over 1 million American children suffering the divorce of their parents annually (Fagan & Rector, 2000). The loss of stability, connection, trust, and even security can induce a deep feeling of grief that can last past adolescence.
How grief impacts the vulnerable teenage psyche/mental health?
Teens are already susceptible to the effects of numerous negative factors in modern society. However, grief is unique in the sense that it can be caused by any number of things, can be felt/demonstrated in a plethora of ways, and can deteriorate the mind more rapidly and effectively than many other types of mental struggles.
● People hiding from grief postpone dealing with their suffering, instead finding other outlets for their pain. Drugs and alcohol are common alternatives, being used to cope, to hide, or even to replace whatever entity, feeling, or person that has been lost (Center, 2017).
○ Drugs and alcohol can be used to forget or ignore the cause(s)/effect(s) of one’s
pain, robbing the adolescent of current pain but leaving the future suffering. Abusers of the substances will commonly take more of the drug and for longer periods of time in anticipation of the future pain becoming present. This usage can soon become a crutch that evolves into a complete case of addiction.
● Complicated grief holds more serious issues for teens, such as isolation, withdrawal from loved ones, depression, anxiety, guilt, suicidal ideations, and even trouble functioning day-to-day (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
○ Complicated Grief - a persistent and complex form of grief that, unlike
normal grief, lingers or worsens with time. Its effects are more detrimental and lasting than other forms of grief, and is a heightened state of mourning that prevents healing
What can coping mechanisms/support systems do to help?
Although an individual has to personally accept and resolve their grief, support and coping mechanisms are integral factors in the healing process.
● If intense grief is extreme in its effects for day-to-day life, it is suggested to seek the health of your doctor or a mental health professional. Although family and friends are critical factors in healing, they do not have the training nor the certification to appropriately assist one experiencing severe grief.
● Family and friends are critical in the sense that they remind the teen of the relationships that they still have despite the loss. It is important to take time alone to process the loss, but arguably even more important to refrain from isolation. The presence of family and friends also provides a sense of stability, as their being demonstrates that not everything has changed.
References:
1. Center, A. (2017, August 1). 4 Ways Grief Can Lead To Addiction. Addiction Center.
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). What is grief? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24787-grief
3. Fagan, P., & Rector, R. (2000, June 5). The Effects of Divorce on America. The Heritage
4. Mayo Clinic. (2016, October 19). What is grief? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoc
5. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Complicated grief - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.
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