Grief and Bereavement Checklist

Review the list and check off the statements that feels true to you. The statements that are not checked show you aspects of your loss that have not fully healed. For example: if you still cannot laugh or smile very often, it shows you have not moved completely through your grief journey. 

o   I can think about the future plans we had made and not feel any emotional pain. For example: travel plans, family events like weddings and anniversaries.

o  I can speak the person’s name without any emotional pain or stress.

o  I have started to make plans for the future like taking a vacation.

o  Just getting out of bed and brushing my hair is a major achievement. I am still in heavy grief.

o   I can go out in public and do not have a uncontrollable grief attacks.

o  My sleep is either too much or too little. I seldom have a good nights rest.

o  When the brain fog and memory lapses begin to lift, I’m know I’m not going crazy.

o   I am no longer angry, guilty, or resentful.

o   I can look at photos or videos without sobbing.

o  It is a comfort to share memories with others. 

o  I have hours or even a day without thinking about the person. 

If, by completing this list, you believe there are aspects of grief that you would like to heal, I recommend you work with a counsellor. A skilled practitioner will be able to help you uncover, identify, and heal all the different parts of the loss. 

Yours in living and loss, Brenda