Common Grief Reactions

Physical Emotional Mental
Fatigue Sadness Disbelief
Lack of Empathy Lonliness Distraction
Sympathy Pains Anger Absent-mindedness
Hollowness in Stomach Guilt Forgetfulness
Gut Sensations Anxiety Low Motivation
Tightness in Chest Shock Dreaming of the loss
Shortness of Breath Yearning / Longing Poor Concentration
Dry Mouth Relief Preoccupation with the loss
Increased Noise Sensitivity Numbness Images of the loss
Pain Deppression Confusion
Sleep Disturbances “Grief Attacks” Memories of other losses
Appetite Disturbances Fear Lack of focus
Restlesness Helplessness Denial
Tension Lack of COntrol Disorientation
Exhaustion Insecurity Apathy
Resentment Diminished Self-Concern
Shame Sorrow
Betrayal / Disloyalty
Emptiness
Social Behavioral Spiritual
Social Withdrawal Searching Questions about God
Less desire to make conversation Crying Why would God allow this?
Being single Carrying special objects How are they?
Feeling a need to take care of others VIsiting the grave site Where are they now?
Keeping an altar When will I die?
Keeping belongings intact Will I see them again when I die?
Looking at photos
Listening to recordings
Changing daily routine
Avoidance of grief arousal