Avoidance –

• It’s common to avoid reminders of the loss.

• This can include avoiding memories or images, and places that remind them of the loss or event.

Distraction –

• Keeping yourself really busy, so that there’s no space to think about the loss, for example online gaming or watching TV.

Reducing or stopping activities –

• Many people say they reduce or even stop doing things they used to enjoy. 

• Sometimes this can be because of thoughts like ‘I shouldn’t do nice things when I am grieving’, ‘doing nice things won’t help me’, or guilt for having fun.

 Change in eating and sleeping routines –

• It is common to begin eating more or less. Some may find it hard to get to sleep, or they may begin sleeping a lot.

Sleep -

• If you are having a lot of trouble with sleep (difficulty going to sleep, sleeping a lot), think about downloading the free Sleep Ninja app: Sleep Ninja® - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health

 Eating -

• It’s important to establish regular eating routines, even though it can feel difficult.

• Sometimes young people eat too little, or have times of eating a lot in a short period.

• Concerns about body image are very common in young people.

• Set a reminder to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, and include some balanced foods.

• Young people feel better when they do not go through long periods of not eating during the day. Ensure you eat something every 4 hours.

• If you think you need more specific help around body image and eating see: Resources - Butterfly Foundation

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