Important Resources

Grieving can feel incredibly overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are many resources out there to help you navigate your emotions, talk to someone, or find support when you need it. Below is a list of hotlines, websites, and tools specifically for teens going through grief.

Crisis Support Hotlines

If you ever feel overwhelmed and need immediate help, these hotlines offer confidential support 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
Available 24/7 for any emotional crisis, including grief.
Crisis Text Line:
Text HELLO to 741741
Get free, confidential support from a trained counselor via text.
Teen Line:
Call 1-800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
Specifically for teens in crisis, available from 6 PM to 10 PM PT every night.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support):
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
- Free and confidential support for LGBTQ+ teens dealing with grief, depression, or other emotional struggles.

Grief Counseling and Therapy Resources

Talking to a professional can help you understand and process your grief in a healthy way. Below are some organizations that offer counseling services:

The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families:
www.dougy.org
Provides support groups, education, and resources specifically for teens and children grieving the loss of a loved one.
Good Grief:
www.good-grief.org
Offers in-person and virtual support groups for kids and teens who are grieving.
GriefShare:
www.griefshare.org
Find local support groups near you through this organization’s searchable database.
National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC):
www.childrengrieve.org
A resource hub for finding grief programs, support groups, and resources specifically designed for children and teens.

Online Grief Support Groups

Sometimes connecting with others who are going through something similar can help you feel less alone.

The Compassionate Friends Teen Grief Group:
www.compassionatefriends.org
A support group for teens who have lost a sibling or close family member.
Actively Moving Forward (AMF):
healgrief.org
An online community for young adults and teens experiencing grief, offering peer-led support groups and resources.
Grieving Teens Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/GrievingTeens
A private Facebook group where teens can share their experiences and find support.

Mental Health and Grief Apps

There are several mobile apps designed to help teens cope with grief, offering guided meditation, journaling, and other tools.

Calm:
calm.com
Offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help manage stress and overwhelming emotions.
Smiling Mind:
smilingmind.com.au
A free mindfulness app designed for young people to manage anxiety, sadness, or grief.
Grief Works App:
griefworks.co.uk
Provides support through guided journaling, exercises, and tools designed to help you process grief.

Information: Articles and Books

Sometimes reading about grief can help you understand what you’re going through and give you new perspectives on how to cope.

HelpGuide – Coping with Grief and Loss:
www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
Offers detailed articles on grief, its emotional effects, and how to manage.
Teen Grief – Dougy Center:
www.dougy.org/grief-resources/how-to-help-a-grieving-teen/
Provides insights into what grief looks like for teens and how to navigate it.
GriefShare Articles on Grief:
www.griefshare.org/articles
Includes articles on coping strategies, managing milestones, and understanding grief’s emotional toll.
"Weird Is Normal When Teenagers Grieve" by Jenny Lee Wheeler
Written by a teen for teens, this book offers advice, stories, and comfort.
"The Grieving Teen: A Guide for Teenagers and Their Friends" by Helen Fitzgerald
This guide helps teens understand their feelings and provides advice for coping with loss.
"You Are Not Alone: Teens Talk About Life After the Loss of a Parent" by Lynne Hughes
Real stories from teens who have lost a parent, providing comfort and connection.

Finding Professional Help Near You

Psychology Today Therapist Finder:
www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Search for therapists near you by location, specialty, and insurance coverage.
Grief Therapist Finder (National Alliance for Grieving Children):
www.childrengrieve.org/find-support
Helps you locate grief professionals and programs in your area.

Remember: Grief is a journey, and everyone processes it differently. These resources are here to help you at any stage of your healing process. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.