Common Grief Reactions
This table lists symptoms commonly expected during bereavement. Each person will experience a unique blend of some or all of the symptoms listed and perhaps some that are not listed.
Physical
· Pain · Fatigue, exhaustion, low energy · Sleep disruption · Appetite disruption · Shortness of breath · Tight or heavy feeling in chest · Feeling of tightness in throat · Hollow feeling in stomach · Stomach pain and upset · Heartache, broken heart · Dry mouth · Tension · Restlessness, irritability · Increased sensitivity to stimuli · “Grief Attacks” · “Sympathy Pains” |
Emotional
· Shock, numbness · Emptiness · Sadness · Sorrow for the one who has died · Loneliness, longing, yearning · Anger · Guilt, regret · Resentment · “More I should have done” · Fear, anxiety, insecurity · Feeling helpless, out of control · Diminished self-concern · “Don’t care”, “What does it matter?” · Depression · Desire to join the deceased · Suicidal feelings · Feelings of betrayal, disloyalty · “Emotional roller coaster” · Relief |
Mental
· Disbelief · Confusion · Disorientation · Absentmindedness · Forgetfulness · Poor concentration · Distraction · Difficulty focusing and attending · Low motivation · Expecting the deceased to call · Preoccupation with the deceased · Need to tell and retell the story · Dreams or images of the deceased · Denial · Thinking about other deaths and losses |
Social
· Being isolated by others · Withdrawing from social activities · Diminished desire for conversation · Being “widowed”, “single”, etc. · Hide grief to “take care of others” · Lose friends, make new friends |
Behaviors · Crying (sometimes unexpectedly) · Searching for the deceased · Carrying special objects · Going to grave site · Making and keeping an altar · Keeping belongings intact · Looking at photos or videos · Listening to recordings · Talking to the deceased · Avoiding situations that arouse grief · Changes in daily routine · “Staying busy” · Assuming mannerisms of the deceased |
Spiritual
Questions about God · Why would God allow this? Questions about the deceased: · Where are they now? · Are they okay? · Can they see me? · Will I see them again? · What will happen when I die? · Sensing the deceased’s presence · Hearing, smelling, or seeing the deceased · Death affirms or challenges beliefs · Awe, wonder, mystery |
A resource group online for 20-30yr olds who have experienced loss of a significant person in their life:
The Dinner Party