Manifestations of Grief

As we grieve, our body experiences our loss as well and manifests itself physically, emotionally, cognitively, behaviorally and spiritually.

Physical
Fatigue, more frequent headaches, increased physical tension, digestive problems, change in sleep or eating patterns and/or amounts, flare up of chronic or old medical problems, crying, tightness in chest or throat, “heartache” (not to be confused with chest pain–always check it out), noise sensitivity.

Emotional
Anxiety, feelings of abandonment  anger, relief, fear, guilt, restlessness, irritability, loneliness, confusion, sadness, relief, freedom, depression, sense of hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed, shock, numbness, feelings of powerlessness or helplessness.

Cognitive
Difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, decreased ability to problem solve, calculate or make decisions, absentmindedness, increased day dreams and/or night dreams or nightmares, being preoccupied with thoughts of the deceased, hearing, seeing or sensing the presence of the deceased, disbelief.

Behavioral
Withdrawal from family, friends, peers, silence, talkativeness, lack of interest in anything that usually satisfies, over interest in things that distract, never wanting to be alone, carrying treasured objects of the deceased, avoiding reminders of the deceased, not talking about the death, other changes in behavior that you or others notice.

Spiritual
Questioning beliefs, values, asking "why" questions, not finding meaning in things at this time, reevaluation of life, change in church habits, changes in relationships with family, friends, coworkers, change in relationship to oneself.

See Also:
Programs and resources to help you cope with grief
Bereavement Newsletter