There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Everyone processes loss differently, and it’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused, numb, or not really know what you’re feeling.

That is the insight from counselor Ashley Swon, owner and therapist at Ashley Swon Consultants in Fayette.

In the wake of last week’s tragedy involving a Fayette teenager, Swon wants our kids and families to understand they do not have to handle grief alone.

“I also want them to know that they don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out for support. They deserve support even when they’re not sure how to explain what they’re feeling or what they need,” she said.

Swon is a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree from Central Methodist University. She treats teens and adults at her clinic in the Keller Building. The Advertiser reached out to her for advice for those who may need help dealing with the recent tragedy. “They don’t have to have the right words or figure everything out on their own. Sometimes just having someone willing to listen and sit with them in what they’re experiencing can make a difference,” she said.

Swon explained that it’s also okay to experience grief even if you weren’t particularly close to the person who died. “Sometimes a loss like this affects us because of our connections to others, because it hits close to home, or simply because it’s hard to make sense of something so painful happening in our community. You don’t have to have been someone’s best friend for your feelings to matter.”

Swon is available as a resource. Appointments can be booked online at ashleyswoncounseling.com, or by calling (660) 676-3399. Her practice can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.

“Whether a teen is struggling with grief, a parent is worried about their child, or a family simply isn’t sure where to start, I’m happy to help them talk through their options and figure out what support might be helpful,” she said. “If I’m not the right fit or don’t have availability, I’ll do my best to connect them with other local therapists or resources so they aren’t left trying to navigate that on their own.

“I also want teens to know that if things feel overwhelming or they’re having thoughts of suicide, they don’t have to manage that alone. They can reach out to a trusted adult or call or text 988 to connect with someone at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time of day or night. Don’t wait until things feel unbearable to reach out for support. They deserve support even when they’re not sure how to explain what they’re feeling or what they need,” she said.

Swon said she is developing free opportunities for parents and teens to come together to talk about mental health in a supportive setting. She hopes to create a space where those conversations feel more comfortable and accessible. Details are still being finalized, and Swon said she would share information as plans come together.

Swon also points to resources available for teens and families who may need additional support.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7. https://988lifeline.org/

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers mental health information and resources for individuals and families. https://www.nami.org/

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Provides resources for people grieving a suicide loss, along with suicide prevention information. https://afsp.org/suicide-loss-resources/

• The Dougy Center: Offers grief resources for children, teens, and families navigating loss. https://www.dougy.org/

• Crisis Text Line: Teens who prefer texting can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. https://www.crisistextline.org/.