RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Grief is a normal response to the loss of a loved one. Reactions from grief can affect the whole person. These reactions may include physical, emotional, psychological and behavioral changes. The most important thing for you to remember is that these reactions are a normal response to loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Grief Reactions

As you grieve, you may experience none, some, or all of the following physical, emotional, psychological, or behavioral grief reactions:

Physical

Weakness
Tightness in the chest
Heart palpitations
Loss of energy
Loss of sexual desire
Upset stomach
Feelings of exhaustion
Restlessness
Emotional

Sadness
Anxiety
Fear
Anger
Guilt
Despair
Feelings of helplessness
Loneliness
Feelings of emptiness
Feeling numb
Loss of ability to feel pleasure
Psychological

Feelings of confusion
A sense of unreality
Difficulty concentrating
Preoccupation with thoughts of your loved one
Dreams of your loved one
A sense of the presence of your loved one
Behavioral

Angry outbursts
Impatience
Agitation
Withdrawal from relatives and friends
Social isolation
Getting up during the night
Pacing
Talking constantly about your loved one
Avoiding conversation about your loved one
If these reactions occur over long periods of time, intensify or begin to interfere with your physical and emotional well being, please call your health care professional right away. They are trained to help you with your grief.

Remember: Grief reactions are expected and normal.