Anxiety about a young person’s own mortality and that of those close to them continues at this age. This combined with a natural need for independence and challenge may be a struggle. Teenagers can respond by engaging in an increasing amount of risk-taking behaviour and becoming angry more easily. This can be very hard for parents at a time when they may be feeling more anxious and protective of their other children.
Questioning the meaning of life is an important part of adolescence and bereavement can have a significant impact on this process. This can sometimes result in depression.
Adolescents may find it easier to talk to friends or a trusted adult rather than their parents. It can help to think about who this might be and support the teenager via this person.
Teenagers in step families can feel very conflicted about their place in the family and may need more reassurance than usual.