Adolescent grief after suicide.

Abstract

After suicide of a loved one, adolescents may develop emotional problems and depression, and are at increased risk of suicide. They thus constitute a major population in need of counseling. Age, social support, development tasks, and death concepts determine how adolescents react to the experience of grief. Suicide changes the bereaved adolescent's role, identity, expectations, and daily activities, and may heighten anxiety about whether life is worthwhile.