Which of the following is NOT one of the “red flags” that could indicate that a grieving child may need professional assistance like counseling?
options:
1) Persistent difficulty in talking about the dead person
2) Crying when recalling memories of the deceased person or thinking about the future
3) Somatic complaints like stomachaches and headaches
4) Persistent self-blame or guilt
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is 2) Crying when recalling memories of the deceased person or thinking about the future.
Grief is a natural response to loss, and children, just like adults, experience a range of emotions during the grieving process. It is normal for children to cry when recalling memories of the deceased person, especially in the early stages of grief. Crying is a healthy emotional expression and can be a way for the child to process their feelings. Thinking about the future can also evoke sadness or anxiety, which is part of the grieving process as they struggle with the changes in their life due to the loss.
On the other hand, the other options are more indicative of issues that may need professional attention:
- Persistent difficulty in talking about the dead person: Avoiding or being unable to talk about the deceased person may signal that the child is unable to process their feelings properly. This could point to complicated grief, where the child may be struggling to accept the loss.
- Somatic complaints like stomachaches and headaches: Physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or other somatic complaints that persist without a clear medical cause could be a sign that the child is not able to express their emotional pain in healthy ways. This could be an indication that the grief is affecting their overall well-being and requires professional help.
- Persistent self-blame or guilt: If a child is consistently blaming themselves for the death of the loved one or feeling guilty about the situation, it could be a sign of complicated grief or even signs of depression. It’s essential for a child to understand that grief is not their fault and they need help if these feelings persist.
Children vary in how they express grief, and professional assistance should be considered when these red flags are present.