Knowing The Symptoms of Grief
Behaviors
Crying (unexpectedly)
Changes in routines
Keeping busy
Looking at old photos/videos
Resistance towards looking at old photos/videos
Being protective of belongings
Purposely avoiding spaces that remind of grief
Searching for your loved one
Hoping your loved one will walk through the door
Emotional
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Shock/numbness
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Emptiness
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Sadness/sorrow
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​Loneliness, longing
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Anger
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Guilt, regret, resentment
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Fear
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Desire to join loved one
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Feelings of betrayal
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Relief
Mental
Disbelief or a struggle to believe
Denial
Confusion
Disorientation
Absentmindedness
Distraction
Forgetfulness
Loss of attention and focus
Low motivation
Dreams/flashbacks of loved one
​Thinking about past experiences with grief
Physical
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Fatigue, exhaustion, low energy
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Inability to sleep
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Change in appetite
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Shortness of breath
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Heavy or tight chest
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Stomach pain, nausea
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Empty stomach feeling
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Dry mouth
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Restlessness
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Grief attacks
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Sympathy pains
Social
Self isolation
Feeling isolated by others
Withdrawing
Resistance to daily conversations
Purposely trying to hide grief
Fall into becoming overly caring for others
Lose friends
Gain friends
Redefining of self
Finding less or more joy being in a group setting
Spiritual
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Questioning God
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Questions about your loved one
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Where are they?
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Are they okay?
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Can they see me?
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What happens when we die?
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Feeling loved ones presence in some way
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Death can affirm spiritual beliefs, but also challenge them