When caring for grievers, it is common that when we understand what is normal, we are able to relax and stop trying to manage reactions and get on with the work of grieving.
Common Grief Reactions
The list was compiled by Heart-to-Heart Hospice (2023, February). Grief hurts. Terre Haute, IN. Many similar lists can be found online.
Physical & Behavioral
- Avoidance Of Reminders of a Loved One
- Crying Uncontrollably For Long Periods
- Difficulty Breathing Normally
- Digestive Upsets
- Doing Things Out Of Character
- Dreams/Nightmares/Insomnia
- Dry Mouth And Difficulty Swallowing
- Hollowness In the Stomach
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Lack Of Energy/Fatigue
- Loss Of Appetite/Overeating
- Loss Of Libido/Impotence
- Menstrual Change
- Muscular Weakness
- Nausea
- Restless Over-Activity
- Sensitivity To Noise
- Social Withdrawal
- Taking On Mannerisms of a Loved One
- Tightness In Throat And Chest
- Treasure Objects
- Unable To Maintain Routine
Cognitive & Emotional
- Abandonment
- Absent Minded
- Apathy/Listlessness
- Denial Or Disbelief
- Fear
- Frustration/Anger
- Guilt (Things Done Or Not Done)
- Helpless and Confused
- Inability To Concentrate/Make Decisions
- Irritability/Anxiety/Worry
- Loneliness
- Loss Of Control
- Preoccupation With Thoughts Of Loss
- Relief
- Sadness, Possibly Crying
- Sense Of Going Crazy
- Sense Of Things Not Being Real
- Shock And Numbness
- Visual Or Auditory Hallucinations
- Yearning/Pining
Spiritual
Questions About: Life And Death, Meaning, Faith, Pain, God, God’s Will, What Now, Why, and Identity Issues
Difficulty: Praying, Being With People, and Being Alone