Childhood Grief in Australia Early Intervention, and Supporting Young People Through Loss

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens and Dr Julia Rawlinson are joined by Dr Lauren Breen, community psychologist, researcher, and professor at Curtin University, and Shelly Skinner, CEO and founder of Lionheart Camp for Kids, to discuss childhood grief.

They explore the prevalence and impact of childhood bereavement in Australia, it is estimated that approximately 235,000 children have lost one or both parents. They emphasise that it is important for GPs to recognise and address grief in children and adolescents.

Dr Breen outlines the developmental differences in how children, adolescents, and adults experience and express grief. Covering common presentations in children, such as somatic symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances). Adolescents may display increased anxiety, vigilance, or engage in risk-taking behaviours.

Communication is highlighted as a key intervention: encouraging open conversations within families and using direct language around death can support healthy grieving. 

Shelly Skinner shares insights from Lionheart Camp for Kids on the value of early interventions, including upskilling not just parents, but also grandparents, teachers, and coaches, to ensure grief literacy across the community. 

GPs are reminded that while grief is not a medical condition, it is both common and significant. Early, ongoing, and comprehensive support—both within the family and with community organisations—can minimise negative impacts and foster resilience and growth in bereaved children and their families.

Links & Resources:

• Lionheart Camp for Kids is a not-for-profit organisation empowering bereaved children, teens and families to navigate their grief journey through education, peer-support, strength-building and resilience. See the website: https://lionheartcampforkids.com.au/ for lots of information about programs and other resources.
• Lauren Breen’s website: https://www.drlaurenbreen.com/ also has lots of resources like infographics and videos relevant to supporting grieving children, teenagers and young adults.
• Lauren and Shelly’s study on the questions bereaved children ask about death and grief can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02694-x.  
• Lauren’s study on what works to reduce anxiety and depression for grieving youth can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.032.
• Supporting Adolescents in Loss Project SKIL is a website that hosts a free, CBT-based, online treatment for grieving teenagers. You can find it here www.sailgrief.com. Curtin University researchers are also developing a similar one for grieving children, and people can sign up here: www.skilgrief.com

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