1. Are you always irritable, annoyed, intolerant or angry these days?

2. Do you experience an ongoing sense of numbness or of being isolated from your own self or from others? Do you usually feel that you have no one to talk to about what’s happened?

3. Since your loved one died, are you highly anxious most of the time about your own death or the death of someone you love? Is it beginning to interfere with your relationships, your ability to concentrate or live as you would like to live?

4. Do you feel that you are always and continually preoccupied with your loved one, his or her death or certain aspects of it even though it’s been several months since his or her death?

5. Do you usually feel restless or in “high gear”? Do you feel the need to be constantly busy….beyond what’s normal for you?

6. Are you afraid of becoming close to new people for fear of losing again?

7. Do you find yourself acting in ways that might prove harmful to you overtime: drinking more than you used to; using more prescription or non-prescription drugs; engaging in sexual activity that is unsafe or unwise; driving in an unsafe or reckless manner; or entertaining serious thoughts about suicide?

8. Are you taking on too much responsibility for surviving family members or close friends? Has your concern and compassion turned into obsession and care taking?

9. Are you experiencing only a few of the reactions or emotions that usually come with grief? Are you unable to express your thoughts or feelings about your loved one and his or her death in words or in actions? Do you remember only certain aspects for your loved one or your relationship together, for example only the good parts as opposed to a more complete and balanced view of him or her?

10. Is there some aspect of what you’re experiencing that makes you wonder about whether you’re normal or going crazy? Do you feel stuck in your grief in some way, unable to move on, even though it’s been quite some time since your loved one’s death?

Do you need grief counseling?

Beyond your reflection of the 10 questions above, trust your own judgment. If you think grief counseling or talking to a professional counselor might help, talk to one or more people with whom you are comfortable. If you would like to talk to a counselor at Victim Rights Foundation we can provide you the support you need during this difficult time. After all, grief is painful enough without trying to do it all by yourself.