Everyone is different. Some of us run faster than others do. Some of us can juggle three balls. Some of us can deal with grief effectively in the absence of professional help, while others need more assistance.

Consider seeking professional help if you experience any of these signs:

1.      Neglecting your personal hygiene. This is a common sign in both grieving and various types of mental illness. It’s easy to forget, or to convince yourself that it doesn’t matter. This is often the first sign that more help may be needed.

2.      An inability to enjoy your life. It’s common to be unhappy for a while, but enjoyable activities should become enjoyable again. If you’re unable to find any enjoyable activities after grieving for a few months, consider contacting a professional.

3.      Any thoughts of harming yourself in any way. You’re important. You don’t deserve to be harmed in any way by anyone, including yourself. It’s critical to seek help if you’re feeling this way.

4.      Substance abuse. Why add an additional burden to your life? This is a sign you’re moving backward.

5.      Any negative thoughts and feelings that don’t lessen over time. After the initial grieving period, it’s normal for your outlook on life to slowly improve. If your emotions are stuck, find help.

Keep your eyes open for these signs. If someone else in your life is grieving, keep an eye on them. It’s not easy for someone to recognize that they need help. You might give this list to a friend and ask them to watch for these signs as you deal with your grief.

“Grief starts to become indulgent, and it doesn't serve anyone,

and it's painful. But if you transform it into remembrance,

then you're magnifying the person you lost and also giving

something of that person to other people,

so they can experience something of that person.”

- Patti Smith