Common Grief Reactions to Major Loss
Grief is rarely a simple matter
of feeling sad and missing a loved one. It typically is a more complicated
experience that involves various emotions and for a time can affect
your thinking, behavior, physical well-being, as well as challenging
your assumptions about life. Some of the ways in which grief can affect
us are listed below. You may experience a few, or many, of these as
you move through your grief. Although difficult, they are common aspects
of normal grief that usually resolve in time.
Emotional
- Shock/Numbness
- Sadness
- Yearning
- Loneliness
- Emptiness
- Overwhelm
- Anger
- Anxiety/Panic
- Fear/Dread
- Helplessness
- Guilt
Relief
Cognitive/Mental
-
Disbelief
- Poor
Concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Memory
Impairment
- Confusion
- Preoccupation
- Sense of Unreality
- Paranormal/Odd Experiences
- Easily Annoyed by Others
- Thoughts of "Going Crazy"
Physical
- Low Energy
- Throat Constricted
- Chest Tightness
- Dry Mouth
- Muscle Weakness
- Shortness of Breath
- Hollowness or Queasiness in
Stomach
- Nausea
- Headaches
Behavioral
- Crying
- Social Withdrawal
- Sleep Disturbance
- Dreaming
- Appetite Changes
- Irritability
- Sensitivity to Noise or Crowds
- Restlessness
- Lack of Motivation/Interest
Avoiding Reminders
Spiritual
- Strength/Comfort
- Confusion/Anger/Conflict
- Searching for Meaning
- Finding Meaning
Grief Support Services at Alive
Hospice - 1900 Church St., Ste.20 1- Nashville, TN 37203
615-96...