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