Grief Reactions
When our loved one passes away, we gradually realize the effects of death on ourselves, our relationships, our values, and all aspects of our lives.
During the early stages of bereavement, we need to deal with many practical matters, such as arranging the funeral, handling property, taking care of other family members, and so on. It takes time for the individual and the family to adjust. Many family members say that the emotions during the early stages of bereavement are like a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs and a feeling of being out of control.
In fact, when we lose our beloved ones, everyone reacts differently and in different aspects.
- Depression, worry, despair, hopelessness, frustration, pain
- Anxiety, fear, dread
- Guilt, self-accusation
- Tension, anger, unfriendliness, irritability
- Loneliness
- Yearning, longing, pining
- Shock, numbness
- Preoccupation with thoughts of deceased
- Sense the presence of deceased
- Suppression, denial
- Lowered self-esteem
- Self-reproach
- Helplessness, hopelessness
- Sense of unreality
- Memory and concentration difficulties
- Irritability, tenseness, restlessness
- Lethargy
- Overactivity
- Searching for the deceased
- Weeping, sobbing, crying
- Social withdrawal
- Increase in alcohol consumption
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Energy loss, exhaustion
- Headache
- Somatic complaints
- Experiencing symptoms similar to the deceased
Getting Support
If you continue to experience extremely intense grief reactions which get even worse over time, exceed the expected norms and have significantly disrupted your daily functioning, you may need to be alerted and should seek professional support.
