Teen Grief

plenty of rest, and talk to someone about seeing your doctor if the problems persist.

Depression

It may seem you will never recover from the pain you feel. Some people describe feeling like they were “going crazy” or “losing it” during the grieving process. The first days, months, and maybe even a year following the traumatic death of a loved one are the most intense and most difficult. You may need extra support to get through this. Some people who have experienced a traumatic loss become depressed and need professional help to heal. For some people, depression can be very intense but short-lived. For others, depression can be less severe but last longer. According to the National Institute of Mental Health about 11% of teens experience a depressive disorder before the age of 18. Thinking about harming yourself or someone else, tell someone right away. Depression is nothing to feel embarrassed about or ashamed of, and help is available. Here are some signs that you may be experiencing depression: • You may continue to feel helpless and hopeless long after the death, and you don’t seem to be feeling any better at all. • You may be unable to do normal tasks such as getting up, getting dressed and going to school. If you think you may be experiencing depression, tell an adult you trust. death and dying after someone you love has died is normal, but if you are thinking about

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