Seek professional help

Since grief is a process unique to each person and it ebbs and flows, it can be hard to tell when professional help is needed.

For example, it is natural to feel like life is empty after a loved one has passed. Especially if you made plans for the future and now that future seems destroyed.

However, if you feel that because of this, there's no point on keeping on living and your thoughts start to focus on your own death, that would be a good time to seek professional help.

When to seek professional help:
-If you are having suicidal thoughts.
-If you are experiencing physical symptoms that you can't control like panic attacks, involuntary movements or one part of your body not wanting to move.
-If you are engaging in reckless behavior that puts you or others in danger.
-If you are using harmful coping mechanisms. In other words, if you are drinking alcohol as a way to feel better or taking drugs, or hurting yourself physically, etc.
-If you are developing any kind of disorder: eating disorder, sleep disorder, etc.
-If you are developing any kind of addiction. Again this can be alcohol or drugs, but it can also be sex, shopping, gambling, etc.

This list is not exhaustive and there may be many more instances in which professional help might be advisable. If you are not sure whether you need professional help or not, I definitely recommend you to go and talk to a therapist.