How to Deal With Tragedy and Loss

This was a difficult week for the teen staff and advisors at Girls With Dreams.com. Many of us lost a few people close to them. If you have experienced the loss of a good friend or family member, you know it can be difficult. Here are a few tips and ideas for how to cope.
Realize everyone grieves differently. Some people need to be by themselves, some people cry, some people talk, some people don’t talk.
Surround yourself with support. Even if you typically deal with things by yourself, it’s important not to isolate yourself all of the time. Make sure you surround yourself with people who lift you up. Some of your friends may not know what to say, but they’ll be there to listen.
Don’t be afraid to get counseling. Counseling is an important step in coping. Your school counselor can provide a list of referrals if you’re not sure where to start. If you’re family doesn’t have insurance, some services will provide help at a reduced rate. Some hospitals and community service agencies have free groups as well. Get a friend to go with you if it’s hard to take the first step.