When assessing grief, what indicates unhealthy grief in a client?

The indication of unhealthy grief in a client is reflected in their difficulty moving on with life. Grieving is a natural and necessary process following a loss, and it varies significantly from person to person. However, when an individual struggles to resume daily activities, maintain relationships, or find enjoyment in life over an extended period, it can suggest a complication in their grieving process. This inability to move forward may be associated with prolonged grief disorder or other mental health concerns.

Resilience after loss exemplifies a healthy coping mechanism and suggests that the individual is processing their grief in a supportive manner. A short duration of grief can also be normal for some people, depending on their coping strategies and support systems. The ability to talk about memories indicates that an individual is attempting to process their feelings and keep the memory of the deceased alive, which is typically a sign of healthy grieving. Thus, the key indicator of unhealthy grief is the persistent difficulty in moving forward with life after a significant loss.