Five Danger Signs of Mourning

1. Persistent thought of self-destruction:
   • We turn the corner when we realize that we have other things for which to live.
   • Never be afraid to seek help.
2. Failure to provide for your five basic survival needs:
   • Maintaining a nurturing social network.
   • Daily nutritional balance
   • Adequate fluid intake.
   • Regular range of motion exercise.
   • Daily rituals for rest.
3. Persistent mounting/long-time depression:
   •  If any one characteristic of mourning persists over a period of several months, it is a possible warnmg signal.
   • It could indicate continuing dysfunction – get help.
4. Abuse of controlling substances – drugs, alcohol, food:
   • 20% of people in treatment centers are there because of unresolved loss.
   • Abuse can start slowly, but is sure and insidious.  Shopping can also be addictive – with disastrous financial consequences.
5. 5.   Mental illness – particularly if there is family history:
   1.  
      1. Pretending the loved one isn’t dead.
      2.  Avoiding warning signs of pain, i.e. I’m fine.
      3. Resistance to creating a new context for living.
      4. Keeping emotional energies invested in the deceased.
   •  Deep mourning can sometimes mask mental illness.
   • Developments as a result of the above #4:

Used by permission – American Academy of Bereavement