Grief is a natural reaction to the death of a loved one. When someone close to us dies, we experience many different feelings--sadness, loneliness, fear, and even anger.

Life after the death of a loved one is difficult for adults--for children and teens, it can be overwhelming. Some children experiencing the unfamiliar emotions of grief will feel or act out of control. Other children only seem to cope while hiding their feelings deep inside. For these children, the difficult feelings of grief may seem to disappear only to resurface unexpectedly as depression, anxiety or other emotional problems.

No matter how a child reacts on the outside, unattended grief can result in prolonged problems participating in school, coping with the stresses of everyday life, or developing healthy relationships in the future.

Doesn't it just take time?
While time helps heal many wounds, children and teens often need more than time to help adjust to life after the death of a loved one. They need a safe environment to explore and understand their feelings; and they need guidance throughout the grieving process. The Sharing Place offers children a place to heal and the help of trained staff and volunteers to gently help them through it all.

What should I do?
If a child or teen you know has recently lost a loved one, you can help. First, learn the warning signs of intense grief (see below). Then, pay close attention to the child's words and actions. Does the child seem to be having difficulty understanding or expressing his/her emotions? Does the child seem confused by what they are feeling? If so, please call The Sharing Place at 466-6730 to set up a confidential appointment. Together, we can find a way to start the healing.

Know The Warning Signs:
•Anxiety or panic
•Unexplained anger
•Crying often and easily
•Difficulty concentrating
•Sleeplessness
•Loss of appetite or other eating disruption
•Increased physical complaints or illnesses
•Acting younger or "like a baby"
•Other sudden behavioral changes