Counselling Children And Adolescents - Qp11

Many suicides are often seen as desperate attempts for help that unfortunately end in tragedy. People who contemplate suicide often feel isolated, overwhelmed, and hopeless, and their decision to take their own life may be a desperate plea for someone to notice their pain and intervene. While the intention may not be to actually die, the act of self-harm can easily result in a fatal outcome. Therefore, it can be said that a significant number of suicides can be seen as failed attempts to seek help.

It is important to make clear to a child that the death of a loved one is unwished because it is something that they did not want or desire to happen. It is also important to explain that the death is involuntary, meaning that it was not a choice or decision made by the person who died. Lastly, it is important to emphasize that the death is not anyone's fault, as this can help alleviate any feelings of guilt or blame that the child may have.

Children do not necessarily see the subject of death as morbid and unpleasant. Their understanding and perception of death may vary depending on their age, cultural background, and personal experiences. Some children may have a natural curiosity about death and ask questions, while others may find it confusing or frightening. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that all children see the subject of death as morbid and unpleasant.

Children generally come to an adult understanding about death at around the age of 8 or 9. At this age, children start to grasp the concept of death as permanent and irreversible. They begin to understand that death means the end of life and that all living things eventually die. This understanding is typically more developed than in younger children, who may still view death as temporary or reversible.

Pathological denial refers to a situation where an individual continues to hold onto a belief that is not shared by others. This means that despite evidence or opinions to the contrary, the person refuses to accept or acknowledge the truth. This type of denial can be seen as an unhealthy defense mechanism, as it can prevent individuals from facing reality and addressing the underlying issues.

The concept of blame is understood by a child long before the concept of death. Blame refers to holding someone responsible for a mistake or wrongdoing, which can be observed and understood in various social interactions from a young age. On the other hand, the concept of death involves understanding the permanent cessation of life, which may be more complex and abstract for a child to grasp. Therefore, it is likely that a child will have a better understanding of blame before comprehending the concept of death.

According to Cruse's experiences, children did not often complain of being exposed to grief or death-related situations.

Sudden death and violent death require much more effort for the client to come to terms with because they are unexpected and often traumatic. When a loved one dies suddenly or violently, there is little time for preparation or closure, which can make the grieving process more difficult. The shock and emotional impact of these types of deaths can also lead to feelings of guilt, confusion, and unresolved emotions, making it harder for the client to come to terms with the loss.