10 Grief Warning Signs

Grief can be extremely difficult to handle, even long after you leave the Trenton, NJ, funeral home. Everyone experiences grief in different ways, but sometimes the grief can be too much for you to handle on your own.

With all the different ways grief presents itself and the range of time it can last, how do you know when your grief is too much? Use this list of 10 signs to know if you might need to seek extra help or counseling for your grief.

1. Numbness to Emotion – Grief comes with a range of emotions, from sad and confused to even happy. Each emotion is acceptable during periods of mourning, but numbness is not. If you are feeling entirely numb and unable to feel any emotions, it may be time to seek help.
2. Inability to Continue Normal Activities – If you are unable to perform normal activities like going to work or school, or even eating or sleeping, you many need a help with coping.
3. Hallucinations/Voices – It may be comforting to imagine your lost loved one is with you, but hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there is always a cause for concern. Be especially wary if what you are seeing or hearing is accusing or angry.
4. Thoughts of Hurting Yourself – Feeling you want to hurt yourself should not be ignored, and must be addressed with a professional.
5. Avoiding Time with Loved Ones – Sometimes its easier to process grief on our own, but its also important to be with loved ones. If you find yourself consistently avoiding other people, you should consider counseling.
6. Escapism – Staying busy or trying to escape to avoid feeling sad is not a long-term solution. Eventually, you will need to face your feelings. If you are don’t feel up to doing so on your own, it may be wise to ask for a helping hand.
7. Inability to Move On – There is nothing to be ashamed of about not being able to move on. Sometimes we all need a bit of help.
8. Fear of New Relationships – Apprehension of new relationships due to the fear of loss is common when grieving. However, in order to move forward and continue to grow, we must forge new relationships.
9. Loss of Enjoyment – You shouldn’t stop living your life completely during grief. You’re still allowed to pursue your interests and goals. If your grief is preventing you from pursuing activities that you enjoy, or enjoying things you normally would, you may just need help finding your way forward.
10. Sudden Changes in Behavior – If you find that you don’t recognize the choices you’re making or the person you’ve become, this may be cause for concern. Keep and eye out for irrational anger, excessive drinking, and drug use.

If you experience any of these signs, don’t be afraid to seek help from a friend, loved one, or professional. There is no shame in getting the help you need.

If you want to learn more about grief or funeral homes in Trenton, NJ, please reach out to J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel by visiting 41 W Trenton Ave Morrisville, PA 19067, or calling (215) 295-7725.