“Do other people feel this way?”
“What can I do?”
“When will it stop hurting so much?”
Hi and thanks for checking us out. If you are a teen who is grieving the loss of a loved one, this page is for you.
This is a place where you can learn about ~ and come to understand ~ your own unique grieving process. It’s also a place where you can learn about trust ~ trusting yourself and trusting others to eventually talk about what’s going on.
What’s going on?
You may find it harder to concentrate, or you’re tired more often than not, or your eating patterns have changed. This is normal. You may feel lonely or angry, guilty or sad. Or you may feel numb, empty or anxious, or a feeling of relief. You may feel responsible. This is normal.
Just remember, feelings aren’t facts. They’re feelings and they can tell us a lot about ourselves ~ and how much each one of us cares a great deal.
How can Safe Crossings help?
Do you feel a need to spend more time alone? Or is it just the opposite ~ you can’t be alone and have to be with someone all the time? Does it feel like your friends don’t understand what you are experiencing? Are you tempted to numb the pain with alcohol or drugs?
Here are some services we can offer you free of charge as well as some activities teens have found helpful.
Teen Grief Group: We meet every other week on Monday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30. There are counselors and volunteers and other teens to talk with. To find out more, call 206-749-7938.
Alki Beach Bonfire: This is one of our popular Quarterly Gatherings, where we have a bonfire and write messages to our loved one on paper hearts that we then burn in the bonfire as a way of offering our thoughts.
Autumn Nature Walk: A Quarterly Gathering in August where we hike through the arboretum and gather in a stone gazebo to create a special weaving with some of the colorful leaves and twigs we’ve gathered to honor our loved one.
School Groups for Teens: Many teens say that they like attending school groups with friends and other teens their age who have lost a loved one through death. School groups give you a chance to share and hear other teens express their thoughts and experiences.
We’ve offered groups in 15 schools in the King county area where teens gather and talk to each other and to a counselor. Are you interested in attending or starting a grief group at your school?
To find out if your school has a group, or for more information on any of these activities, call 206-749-7723.
Check out our teen activities page for ideas on expressing and understanding the grieving process.
If you have any questions about anything, call us. If you feel you don’t have anybody to talk with, call us. Our counselors and volunteers will keep your sharing and experiences confidential. You can find support. Call 206-749-7723.
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