How to cope with loneliness over winter
Over winter, with the darker evenings, feelings of loneliness can seem more overwhelming than ever.
What is it like to grieve in your teens? Hit teen TV drama, Tell Me Everything, gives an insight by following the experiences of 16-year-old Jonny and his grief after the death of his dad. Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador, Nadia, talks to the writer, Mark O’Sullivan about the series, finding humour in dark times, not wanting to grow up and being the ‘kid whose [important person] died.’
Tell Me Everything is set in a town in England and although the main storyline surrounds Jonny’s grief, Mark has written several characters who are all going through their own mental health struggles and teenage discoveries. As Mark mentions during the interview, he grew up watching John Hughes films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club, so this series has a nod to those types of coming-of-age comedy dramas.
When Mark was 15 his dad suddenly died, 30 years later Mark created the TV series to share his story with the world. Jonny, the main character, is based closely on Mark’s grief journey and life experience. The series follows Jonny and his friends from the day his dad dies and what happens over the following weeks.
Nadia was 15 when her brother suddenly died, so she could relate to and understand a lot of what Jonny’s character was facing in the series. Nadia is an MA graduate within TV and Film, so not only does she have personal experience of being a young grieving person, but she also has the knowledge and understanding of writing for screen.
So what did we learn from Nadia and Mark’s interview about what it’s like to grieve as a teenager?
In this video, Mark and Nadia chat about Tell Me Everything and intertwine referring to their own grief experiences and teenage life. You can watch the full interview below:
Tell Me Everything is available to watch on ITVX.
If you’re struggling with grief right now, Winston’s Wish is here to help and here to listen. Winston’s Wish provides support for grieving children and young people (up to the age of 25). We offer one-to-one and group support sessions. We also have lots of online resources and a Helpline, email and live chat service where you can talk to bereavement professionals.
You can use our on-demand services from 8am to 8pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
Call us for free on 08088 020 021, email ask@winstonswish.org or use our live chat and find out more on our Get Support page.
If you need urgent support in a crisis, you can contact the 24/7 Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger by texting WW to 85258.
Over winter, with the darker evenings, feelings of loneliness can seem more overwhelming than ever.
Crying is a normal response when your person has died, no matter how long ago. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and it's okay to let it out.
A guide for grieving young people from the Winston's Wish Bereavement Support Team.
Three of our Youth Ambassadors, Anna, Libby and Angharad, reflect on their first Christmas without their person.
Winter and the Christmas holidays can be a difficult time of year. Here are five ways to remember your person this season.
Winston's Wish Bereavement Support Workers share their 8 top tips for bereaved teens and young adults through the colder months.
Youth Ambassadors share the ways they remember their person digitally, through photo albums, playlists, and more.
Youth Ambassadors, Daisy, Freya, and Katie, share their personal views of their own secondary losses as a result of their bereavement.
Hear from some of the Youth Team about times when their teachers have helped them with their grief.
Some tips for taking care of yourself when you're grieving for a celebrity or public figure.
Our Bereavement Support Team have written some guidance on how to manage grief when you feel like you aren't able to be open.
Lilly shares an introduction to her grief experience and why it's so important to her to be a Winston's Wish Youth Ambassador.
Hear from some of their Youth Team about how they found support at uni.
Angus, Content Creator, says, "This message is about embracing change and not letting current moments pass you by."
Coping strategies to support you after a teacher has died
Tips from our bereavement support team to help you with big life changes like moving out as a young adult.
Useful tips to help you understand and cope with your grief.
Feeling sad that your person isn't there, guilty that you're celebrating your results, or proud of yourself for your results. There's no right or wrong way to grieve.
It can be very difficult knowing what to say and to be around someone who has experienced the death of someone close. Adults find it difficult too, so try not to feel bad about this.
The death of a friend may feel extremely difficult and can feel as significant as that of a family member. Whatever you're feeling is valid, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Jack, Content Creator, writes about how managing his grief through running has led to him winning the Leeds Half Marathon 2024!
Iman, Youth Ambassador, explains about Eid and shares what it's like for her and her family to grieve during Eid.
Miranda shares about how she uses music in different ways to help express her grief and emotions.
Ashleigh writes about how both writing and music have helped her in her grief.
The Winston's Wish bereavement support team share top tips for managing grief this Father's Day.
Grace's dad died from cancer when she was eight years old, she shares how she remembers her dad on Father’s Day.
Feelings of worry are very normal when you're grieving. Read on to discover some ways to manage these feelings.
Useful tips for exam season if you're grieving
Youth Ambassador, Iman, shares about her Eid celebrations as a grieving young person
Content Creator, Angus shares his thoughts
Useful tips for exam season
Interview with Mark O’Sullivan, writer of Tell Me Everything
Tips to help improve your sleep when you're grieving
How poetry can be a useful way to express your feelings
Young people share what it's like to grieve while studying at uni.
Our bereavement experts are available to speak to for immediate support on weekdays from 8am to 8pm.
Get top tips from bereavement experts, and hear from Youth Ambassadors, Henri and Teigan, about their experiences of Mother's Day.
Phoebe's mum died when she was nine. She shares how she feels on Mother’s Day and how she remembers her mum.