The signs & symptoms of grief

After the death of a loved one, you may experience waves of intense emotions, even when the death is expected. Many people who are grieving will initially feel numb after first learning of a death, but it’s important to understand that there is no real order to the grieving process.

Bereavement isn’t just limited to emotional responses either. Grief can also trigger physical reactions in your body, ranging from weight and appetite changes, difficulty sleeping, and aches and pains, to an impaired immune system which can lead to illness and other health problems.

Some common emotions and physical symptoms you may experience include:
• Feeling numb, shock or disbelief
• Sadness or depression
• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Being angry at yourself, doctors, other loved ones
• Feeling relieved or guilty
• Feeling frightened, helpless or lonely
• Being in denial, and not accepting the person is really gone

Did you know?

Doctors classify grief into two types: acute and complicated. Most people experience acute grief, which occurs in the first six to 12 months after a loss and gradually resolves. Some, however, experience complicated grief, which is grief that lasts longer than 12 months.