Loss and Grief
It is important to understand that not all losses result in negative effects. Grieving is a healthy process that allows us to fully appreciate the importance of what was lost.
For example, Moving to a new school may provide more opportunities, such as better sports facilities, more choice in the school curriculum and new friendships.
Is grief always a negative experience?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenging situations and deal with them appropriately.
Define 'Resilience'
Good friends are great to have. They support you when you are feeling down or need help
As you go through adolescence, you will form close relationships with some of your peers, especially those at your school. You may become part of a peer group where you have a number of friends who you trust and confide in.
Why are peer connections important?
A support network is a group of people you trust and who are willing and capable of helping you can make a big difference in your life
What is a support network?
doctor
family
friends
media
internet
health agencies
school
What are some sources of health information?
During the change in our lives, we may experience a loss. For example, the end of a relationship/friendship, moving schools or moving country.
Grief is the body and mind natural response to loss.
What is the difference between loss and grief? Use examples.
confidence
optimistic (positive outlook on life)
good problem-solving skills
positive sense of self
effecting and positive coping skills
seek help when needed
positive connections to peers and family
List 4 characteristics of a resilient person
For young people who are struggling to cope with the changes and challenges of adolescence, being connected to family is very important.
A strong connection with family is one of the protective factors present in the lives of resilient young people.
Why are family connections so important?
having someone to listen to you
being able to share your thoughts and feelings
having another person’s opinion to help you sort out your own thoughts and feelings
having access to advice to help you solve your problems
having someone to help you find experts such as counsellors or youth workers.
What are the benefits of having a support network?
1. Doctor
2. Family/Friends
What are the 2 most reliable sources of health information?
The end of a close relationship
Moving away from family/friends
Parents Separating/Divorcing
Finding out a loved one is ill
Moving to another country
Moving schools
The death of a pet
Losing something that is very important to us
Identify 4 losses people may experience throughout their lives
Young people experience many changes and challenges throughout their lives.
It is important for them to develop resilience so that they can respond to these challenges effectively and bounce back from them.
Why is it important for young people to be resilient?
Family is the people who support you. They provide you with love, support, security and advice.
Can include;
- parents
- siblings
- extended family
- community members
- elders
- friends
- guardians
Define 'family' - Include 4 people who could be included in family.
lack of awareness about the dangers of the situation
being unsure of who to contact in these situations
lack of support networks available
being worried about social stigma of getting help.
What are some barriers to seeking help?
St Johns ambulance
hospitals
nutrition Australia
kids helpline
ReachOut
Beyondblue
Identify 4 health agencies that can give you help
Allow yourself time to cry
Take time out
Say goodbye
Talk about it
Stay healthy
Identify three positive strategies you could adopt to help you cope with loss.
problem solving skills
positive communication
be realistic
self-monitor
develop a sense of belonging and connectedness
positive attitude
positive self talk
What are 5 strategies that can be used to develop resilience
They feel that having opinions or beliefs that differ from their peers’ can cause conflict.
They feel school is too hard, no-one cares and they cannot achieve their goals.
They feel school is unsafe because they are bullied and harassed by their peers.
They feel different from their peers.
They feel they are not good at anything and they are a failure.
They feel no-one understands them, cares about them or is interested in who they are.
They feel they have no control over what is happening in their lives
Provide 4 reasons people may find it difficult to connect.
Are they accessible to you?
Are they trustworthy?
Are they good listeners?
Will they have time to assist you?
What questions should you consider when including people in your support network?
Usually the information is reliable as it has been written or checked by people in the medical profession. However, we should be aware that just because health advice appears in print, it does not mean that it is totally reliable and correct. It also may not be the appropriate answer to our own problem and should be considered as general advice only.
Is the media a reliable source of information?
listen
give them time to talk about it when they feel comfortable
check in with them occasionally to see they're okay.
suggest help services that can be used
How can you support somebody that has just experienced a major loss?
talking to friends
talking to family
speak to a doctor or counsellor
engage in physical activity
write a journal of your thoughts and feelings
engage in meditation
allow yourself time to heal
keep organised and prioritise tasks
What are some help-seeking strategies we can use in a challenging situation? (Provide 6)
spend time with your parents and friends. Talk to them about your day.
Invite your them to get involved in school activities, like helping with your homework, or coming along to sporting competitions or school plays.
Offer your help when it is needed
Take up a hobby you can share with your family or friends.
Ask for help in a range of situations.
What are some strategies we can use to stay connected with friends and family?
family
friends
peers
teachers
counsellors
online organisations
doctors
youth services
What are some example of the people in your support network?
many internet sources may not be reliable and can even provide harmful advice. You should be very cautious when using unrecognised internet sources for health-related information.
What is the biggest problem with accessing health information through the internet?