SpicyTricks

Dealing with a loss of a family member or close friend is a very painful experience. These losses can leave teens feeling depressed and hopeless, especially when the one they loved and cherished many special moments with was taken from their life. But, there is a way to overcome these feelings and realize the importance of life. Violet Stevens, a student at Orange High School has experienced two significant losses in her life, but has received a new outlook on life.

Violet Stevens is a tenth grader at OHS. She has a big family with two brothers and four cousins, who all live right next door to each other. She cherishes every moment she has to spend with her family, knowing that life is short and that you have to enjoy the family and the time that you have.

Growing up, her Grandpa was always her best friend, always encouraging and comforting. When she lost her grandpa, her life seemed to be flipped upside down, and she experienced the grieving process. On top of this loss, she has lost one of her cousins.

This experience taught her how to fight grief and she now has a new outlook. She said in an interview, “My cousin died when she was really young and it made me realize that life really is short.”

One out of seven children experience the loss of a parent before the age of ten and thousands of others experience losses. Teenage years are among the most difficult. Teens begin to mature and become young adults. Teenage years require many decisions and responsibilities, where they need love and support. On top of this, a loss of a close relative or friend, can be devastating and lead to depression, which can have lasting effects.

Teenagers have to come to understand these hard times and deal with these tragedies, but they surely aren't easy and need help and love to get through the tough times. Teens also aren't able to mentally support themselves, so their teenage years are the years where they learn to cope and come to an understanding of life.

So the question is, how do you cope? A study done by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a psychiatrist, developed five stages of the grieving process. They include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But it is important to realize that everybody grieves in different ways and may not experience all of these stages. To cope with grief it is important to be surrounded by family and friends, who can provide love and support. Other options include support groups and therapists, which can allow teens to share with others that are going through the same things as them.