The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult things in life that we ever experience. Sometimes we heal from the loss on our own, with the passage of time and the support of our family and friends. But other times we struggle with bereavement and grief long after the loss, and it seems as if our hearts will never heal.
The process of adapting to a loss can dramatically change from person to person, depending on your background, beliefs, relationship to the person who’s passed, spiritual beliefs, natural supports, and whether you have had other experiences with loss in the past.
Common symptoms of grief can be physical, emotional or social.
A few common symptoms in these categories are:
Physical
- Crying and sighing
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Emotional
- Feelings of sadness and yearning
- Feelings of worry or anger
- Feelings of frustration or guilt
Social
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else. If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, grief and bereavement counseling have been proven to help.