Help for the younger generation
Losing someone close to you is the hardest thing you’ll ever go through. Understanding what has happened can be really tough and it’s okay to ask an adult some questions about it.
Feeling sad is just one of many emotions you might experience when you are grieving. You might feel angry, scared, or confused. You might cry a little, or a lot. You might even feel numb and find it difficult to let your feelings out. However you feel, just remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and that everybody experiences grief in a different way.
How long will I feel this way?
There’s no set time you will feel this way. Everybody’s different. Things will get easier to handle as time goes on. One of the best things you can do is to try and stop focusing on the fact that they are no longer here and instead, focus on the good memories you have of your special person. As each day passes, you’ll feel a little better.
What can I do to feel better?
Find someone to talk to.
Don’t be scared to ask an adult if you can talk to them about it. If you don’t want to talk to someone in your family, you could choose to see a counsellor. A counsellor is a professional who will listen to you and help you find some solutions. Some people find it easier to talk to someone outside their own family so if you feel like you want to do this, that’s totally okay. Just ask an adult you trust to take you to see one.
Keep a diary or book of special memories.
Sometimes it feels better when you write stuff down or draw a picture. Think about all the good times you had with your special person and create a book or a box of memories. You can include photos, stories, poems and your own thoughts. This is a good way to help you remember all the great things about your special person.
Do something you love doing.
Maybe there is a certain game you love to play. You may like to invite a friend over to stay. There might even be a movie out you’d like to see. Whatever it is you like doing, don’t feel like you’re not allowed to do it. You might even find yourself having fun and laughing. That’s okay too.
Chat with others on The Wall.
The Wall is an online forum designed especially for young people who are dealing with the death of a family member or close friend. Click here to join thousands of people your own age around the world to discuss your thoughts and feelings.
Create an online memorial.
You might find the healing process a little easier to deal with by creating an online memorial for your special person. Click here to choose a design for your page. Then you can write what you want to say about them and add photos, videos, music, poems, quotes, whatever you like. This is a good way of keeping them close to you throughout your life.
