Grief doesn’t just show up as tears or sadness. For young people, it often appears in ways adults might miss or misread. Some common expressions include:

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities

• Intense engagement with screens — scrolling social media, gaming late at night

• Changes in eating habits — overeating or under-eating

• Risk-taking or substance use (more common in older teens and young adults)

These behaviours are often attempts to manage overwhelming feelings, not misbehaviour. They can temporarily numb or distract from the pain, but they don’t give the brain or body space to process grief fully. For instance, endlessly scrolling or gaming might feel soothing, but it can also delay emotional processing. Similarly, substance use or extreme risk-taking may seem to release tension, yet can increase shame, isolation, or guilt later.

By understanding these patterns, adults can respond with curiosity, patience, and presence, rather than punishment or judgment, and prepare to offer healthier coping strategies.