- client perceives social support as very limited or nonexistent
- history or immediate evidence of ineffective coping
- multiple stressors (e.g. financial distress, loss of role, job or health)
- ambivalent or conflicted relationship with the deceased
- psychiatric symptoms of major depression or personality disorder
- inability to acknowledge the death or the death is unexplained
- very high degree of dependence on the deceased
- suicidal ideation
- danger to self or others
Threatening behavior toward self or others requires immediate intervention, perhaps involving police or legal ramifications. People who are at a high risk are encouraged to seek professional help. Mourners who score moderate or low on the risk scales usually find support groups helpful.
When thinking about yourself or loved ones and their bereavement risk, is there anything you would be concerned about? Is there anything you can do proactively?
