Common Grief Reactions

Physical & Behavioral

Avoidance Of Reminders Of 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 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 Confusion

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

The list was compiled by Heart-to-Heart Hospice (2023, February). Grief hurts. Terre Haute, IN.