10 Signs You May Need Grief Counseling

Grief can be extremely difficult to handle, even long after you leave the Fruit Cove, FL funeral home. In fact, grief almost always takes a long time to pass, from months to even years, and it presents differently from person to person.

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. 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.
3. Avoiding Time with Loved Ones
   Sometimes its easier to process grief on our own, but it’s also important to be with loved ones. If you find yourself consistently avoiding other people, you should consider counseling.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 an eye out for irrational anger, excessive drinking, and drug use.
7. Fear of New Relationships
   An 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.
8. 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.
9. Thoughts of Hurting Yourself
   Feeling you want to hurt yourself should not be ignored, and must be addressed with a professional.
10. 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 may need help with coping.

If you want to learn more about how to deal with grief or have questions about funeral homes in Fruit Cove, FL, contact Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services by visiting 808 Margaret St Jacksonville, FL 32204, or calling (904) 683-9288.