Young people

As a young person, you are no different to anyone else in the range and intensity of experiences you are likely to feel when someone you know has died (see ‘Experiencing bereavement’).

It could be the first time that someone you know has died, and the feelings you are experiencing can be frightening. You may worry about how you will cope and about what you are going to say to other people.

Try to accept your feelings rather than suppress them. Crying can help, but if you feel uncomfortable crying in front of others, try to find somewhere you can cry privately. If you feel angry, try talking to someone or doing something physical, like kicking a ball or punching a cushion.

You may find that some friends avoid you because they don’t know what to say. Let them know that you’d like to see them and that it’s OK to talk – or not to talk, if that’s what you prefer.