The death of a loved one, a natural disaster, the end of a relationship or marriage, redundancy, these are but a few examples where a person may experience a grief response. Grief is the process that we go through to help us deal with a loss. Common grief reactions are:

Physical:

• Changes in appetite
• Tightness in the chest
• Headaches
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, constipation
• General aches

Behavioural:

• Sleeplessness
• Lack of motivation
• Crying (often unexpectedly)
• Social withdrawal
• Hyperactivity
• Reckless behaviour (e.g. drinking)

Emotional:

• Shock, numbness, disbelief
• Self blame, guilt
• Anger
• Anxiety, panic
• Loneliness
• Relief or Indifference
• Fear
• Sadness
• Depression

Cognitive:

• Confusion
• Poor concentration
• Pre-occupation with the loss
• Seeing or hearing the person
• Dreams of the person who died

Spiritual:

• Anger toward God
• Consolation by belief in God
• Seeking meaning of loss
• Examining meaning of life
• Strengthening in belief