Grief is a normal response to the loss of a loved one. The entire person--mind, body and spirit--reacts when responding to grief. Common reactions can include physical, emotional, behavioral or psychological, social and even spiritual changes. The symptoms listed are among the normal responses that may occur after experiencing a loss.
Potential Symptoms of the Acute Grief Response
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue, Feelings of Exhaustion
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the throat
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Aches and pains - Abdominal, stomach pain, back pain, headache
- Lightheaded, Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Change in appetite, increased or decreased leading to change in weight
- Change in sex drive
- Crying, sighing
- Restlessness
Emotional Symptoms
- Emotionally labile
- Sadness
- Anger, Irritability
- Panic, Anxiety
- Meaninglessness, Helplessness
- Apathy
- Numbness, Disbelief, Denial
- Longing
- Abandonment, Loneliness
- Self Blame
- Fear
- Guilt
- Relief
Behavioral/Psychological Symptoms
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating, Slowed thinking
- Wandering aimlessly
- Feeling trance-like
- Sense of unreality or emptiness
- Dreams of the deceased
- Searching for the deceased
- Sense the loved one's presence
- Hallucinations of the deceased, sensing their presence (visual or auditory)
- Assuming mannerisms or traits of the loved one
- Needing to retell the story of the loved one's death
- Avoiding talking about loss so others won't feel uncomfortable
Social Symptoms
- Overly sensitive
- Dependent
- Withdrawn
- Avoiding others
- Lack of initiative or interest
- Hyperactive
- Underactive
- Relationship difficulties
- Lowered self esteem
Spiritual
- Doubting belief system
- Questioning spiritual values
- Spiritual injury
- Loss of faith
- Disappointment in religion, clergy and church members
- Feeling betrayed by God or Spiritual Force
- Angry with God or Deity
- Preoccupied with own death
- Sensing presence (visual or auditory)
© 2006 Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT. Licensed for use to About.com.
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Sources:
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Fitzgerald H. The Mourning Handbook. New York, N. Y.: A Fireside Book, 1994, p. 37.
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