Recognizing symptoms of grief

Text Version

  • Shock

  • Numbness

  • Poor attention span

  • Hard to concentrate

  • Unable to find the right words

  • Easily distracted

  • Diminished ability to retain information

  • Have a hard time making decisions

Cognitive

Physical

  • Exhaustion

  • Appetite & weight changes

  • Muscle tension

  • Easily startled

  • Shortness of breath

  • Headaches

  • Chest pain

  • Nausea

  • Immune system illnesses

  • Gastro-intestinal irritations

  • Fatigue

  • Sleeping Problems

  • Powerlessness

  • Numbness

  • Sadness

  • Anger

  • Irritability

  • Relief

  • Guilt

  • Longing

  • Fear

  • Anxiety

  • Panic

  • Loneliness

  • Abandonment

  • Vulnerability

  • Helplessness

Emotional

  • Spirituality can be a source of comfort

  • Spiritual Distress- unable to find meaning or purpose in life

  • Feeling spiritually connected to God

  • Finding hope in prayer/beliefs

  • Finding purpose in life

Spiritual

Social

  • Your “give a damn” is broken

  • Hypersensitive to your loss

  • Feeling dependent on others

  • Withdrawn and isolative

  • Noticing others may be avoiding you

  • Snapping at others (easily agitated)

  • Having over-the-top reactions

Family/work

  • Hyper-vigilance regarding your loved ones’/coworkers and your own health/safety

  • Distancing to protect yourself and others from your grief

  • Differences in how each person’s reaction to the loss may cause misunderstandings

  • Divided loyalties