40 QUESTIONS FOR SELF-ASSESSMENT
Grief and Loss Anonymous
These questions are designed to prompt self-reflection and awareness for individuals who may be struggling with grief and loss. They can be used as a tool for assessing the impact of grief on various aspects of life and identifying areas where support or intervention may be needed. There are no right or wrong answers and no number of “yes” responses that underscore a “need” for relief or intervention.
1. Are you preoccupied with thoughts of loss or grief?
2. Do you feel a sense of emptiness or numbness resulting from grief or loss?
3. Have you experienced difficulty in moving on from a loss?
4. Do you frequently seek out reminders of your loss?
5. Do you avoid others who seem happy or carefree?
6. Do you feel no one can relate to your grief?
7. Have you neglected responsibilities or relationships due to your grief?
8. Have you experienced difficulty in maintaining relationships due to your grief?
9. Do you use substances (such as alcohol or drugs) or unhealthy activities to cope with your grief?
10. Have you found yourself avoiding situations or people that remind you of your loss?
11. Do you try to replicate what has been lost even though that may not be best for you or others?
12. It Do you find yourself reliving past losses or dwelling on what could have been?
13. Have you experienced physical symptoms (headaches, fatigue, etc.) as a result of your grief?
14. Do you constantly seek validation or sympathy from others for your loss?
15. Does your grief seem permanent?
16. Has your grief become a focus in your life to the extent that overshadows other aspects?
17. Do your hide your grief?
18. Have you experienced difficulty in concentrating or making decisions due to your grief?
19. Do you feel like your grief has become a barrier to personal growth or happiness?
20. Have you experienced a loss of interest in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed?
21. Has your sense of humor changed or vanished?
22. Do you feel a sense of hopelessness or despair that you can't seem to shake off?
23. Have you experienced changes in appetite or sleep patterns as a result of your grief?
24. Have you stopped sharing your grief because you feel others don’t want to hear about it?
25. Have you experienced conflicts with friends or family members due to your grief?
26. Do you find it difficult to envision a future without the presence of what you have lost?
27. Have you experienced a decline in work or academic performance due to your grief?
28. Do you feel like your grief has become a source of identity or comfort for you?
29. Have you experienced intrusive thoughts or memories related to your loss?
30. Have you experienced a loss of interest in planning for the future or setting goals?
31. Do you feel like your grief has become a way of avoiding facing other challenges or emotions?
32. Do you find yourself comparing your grief to that of others or feeling like your grief is not valid?
33. Have you experienced difficulties in intimate relationships due to your grief?
34. Do you find it difficult to express emotions other than sadness or grief?
35. Have you experienced a loss of motivation or purpose in life since your loss?
36. Have you experienced difficulties in trusting others since your loss?
37. Do you find yourself engaging in excessive rituals or behaviors to commemorate your loss?
38. Have you experienced a loss of faith or spiritual connection as a result of your grief?
39. Do you feel like your grief has become a way of avoiding facing unresolved issues or trauma?
40. Have you experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide related to your grief?