How Does Grief Affect Children
Grief & loss is unavoidable, have not ever process that occurs as a result of a long-term or short-term disturbance in one's routine. Separation or a shift in a relationship may be beyond the individual's control this pain is caused by disruption, change, or separation and causes discomfort and has an effect on the individual's thoughts, feelings, and actions. Although the causes and consequences of loss are universal, its symptoms are unique to each individual and subject to change over time.
Everyone grieves in their own unique way.
For everyone who knew the child, the grieving process is often long and
painful. This includes parents, siblings, relatives, friends, peers, teachers,
nurses, neighbors, and anyone else who has been affected by a child's death.
Grief in children is difficult because younger children may not comprehend
death and its permanence. A child may believe that death is only temporary
because so many cartoons depict a character being mortally wounded and then
resurrecting. As a result, younger children often miss a loved one in spurts
and may be sad for a few minutes every now and then. However, because they have
difficulty accepting that death is permanent, they will not fully comprehend
the impact of their loss on their lives.
Each child experiences the loss of a
significant other in his or her own unique way. Reactions can vary depending on
age, ability to understand death and personality, and even children from the
same family can have different reactions. Any death can be difficult for a child,
and a variety of emotional and behavioral responses are common, like changes in
patterns of sleeping or appetite; feeling sad, irritable, angry, or anxious;
social isolation; obsessive thoughts about the death of dear one; or feeling
about person's presence in front. The difficulties of Grief coping in children
differ depending on their age, developmental level, previous life experiences,
emotional health prior to the death, and family and social environment, etc.
Some children experience traumatic grief reactions, making it difficult for
them to cope. Remembering or cherishing the happy moments of the deceased
person is often reported. Cope with the numerous changes that occur as a result
of the death, and carry on with healthy function.
The following are examples of childhood
traumatic grief difficulties that can occur at any developmental stage:
- Recurrent flashbacks to the death: These
can manifest as bad dreams, guilt or self-blame about how the person died, or
recurring or intrusive thoughts about the heinous manner of death.
- Numbing and avoiding: These
can manifest as withdrawal, the child acting as if unbothered, or the child
avoiding reminders of the person, the manner in which she or he died, or the
event that precipitated the death.
- Arousal symptoms can be physical or
emotional: These symptoms can include irritability,
anger, difficulty sleeping, decreased concentration, a drop in grades,
stomachaches, headaches, increased vigilance, and concerns about one's own or
others' safety.
What are the effects of grief?
The symptoms of grief are frequently
similar to those of depression, and
some people do develop depression as a result of a significant loss. See a
doctor if you are dealing with a major loss and finding it difficult to cope.
Those left behind often feel shocked, numb, and in denial immediately after a
death, especially if the death was unexpected. When they begin to comprehend
the reality of death, they may experience intense sadness, blankness, or
loneliness, as well as anger or guilt. The emotions can be painful, persistent,
or overwhelming. Grief can come in waves, appearing to fade for a time and then
reappearing. However, the feelings fade over time. Everyone reacts differently
to grief. Consulting the Best
Clinical Psychologist in India online
would be of great help in identifying grief and loss and managing the
same. Typical negative emotions include unhappiness, distress, refusal,
numbness, an unreal sense of reality, anger, guilt,
blame, and relief. The ABA therapies are of great help in overcoming grief and
loss, you consult with the “best clinical
psychologist, Delhi NCR” at Psychowellness Center, Dwarka,
Janakpuri, Vasantkunj, Mayur Vihar, Paschim Vihar, Pitampura, Rohini, Gurugram,
Faridabad, Friends Colony, Delhi NCR.
The behavioral effects of Grief & Loss at
this age may include:
- Rejection - lack of desire to play with
friends
- Correlation - the short-term return to
behaviors learned at a younger age.
- Behavior issues such as thumb sucking,
using soothers, rocking, and so on
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Repetitive questions - frequently about
where the person is, when they will return, and how they died
- Anger,
including misbehavior, acting out, seeking attention, and temper tantrums
- Separation anxiety - being clingy and
demanding because they are afraid of being separated and abandoned by those
they love.
Who are concerned about them, all of these
reactions indicate the child's need for comfort, especially after the death of
a parent or someone else to whom they were very close.
Signs & Symptoms
Children experiencing severe grief and
loss often show one or more of the following symptoms;
During the period of depression during
which the child loses interest in everyday activities and events
Sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and
persistent fear of being alone
For an extended period of time, he
pretended to be much younger.
Excessive resemblance to the deceased
For an extended period of time, they
believe they are talking to or seeing the deceased family member.
repeated declarations of a desire to join
the deceased
Friendship withdrawal
a
significant drop in academic performance or refusal to attend school
If these symptoms persist, professional
assistance may be required. A child and adolescent Online Psychiatrist or
another qualified mental health professional can assist the child in accepting
the death and assisting others in assisting the child in grieving. If you are
looking for an online “Therapist near me” seek help from the Best Psychologist in India to
deal with your grief issues.
Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri
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