The Grieving Teen: A Guide for Teenagers and Their Friends [Paperback]

In this unique and compassionate guide, renowned grief counselor Helen Fitzgerald turns her attention to the special needs of adolescents struggling with loss and gives teens the tools they need to work through their pain and grief.

Although the circumstances surrounding a death are difficult to handle at any age, adolescence brings with it challenges and struggles that until now have been largely overlooked.

Writing not only about but also for teenagers, Fitzgerald adeptly covers the entire range of situations in which teens may find themselves grieving a death, whether the cause was old age, terminal illness, school violence, or suicide. She helps teens address the gamut of strong and difficult emotions they will experience and the new situations they will face, including family changes, issues with friends, problems at school, and the courage needed to move forward with one's own life.

Using the clear and accessible format that has madeThe Mourning HandbookandThe Grieving Childenduring and helpful classics, Fitzgerald guides teens through everything from the sickbed to the funeral, from the first day back at school to the first anniversary of the death. Above all, she lets teens know that even in their darkest hour, they are not alone.
CONTENTS

FOREWORD BY EARL A. GROLLMAN

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: WHEN LIFE HANGS IN THE BALANCE

1. NOT KNOWING IF YOU WANT TO KNOW

2. REACTING TO THE NEWS

3. SHOULD YOU TELL YOUR FRIENDS?

4. SHOULD YOU TELL YOUR TEACHERS?

5. ARE YOU THE REAL PARENT?

6. YOUR SOCIAL LIFE

7. WHO ELSE CAN YOU TALK TO?

8. SUPPORT GROUPS

9. THE HOSPICE MOVEMENT

10. FEELING SCARED

11. HOSPITAL VISITS

12. THE $64,000 QUESTION: AM I GOING TO DIE?

13. HELPING YOUR SIBLINGS

14. FEELING ANGRY

15. SAYING GOOD-BYE

16. SHOWING THAT YOU CARE

CHAPTER 2: WHEN DEATH COMES