Grief is a complex human experience that everyone will have at some point in their life, usually more than once. We often think of grief only with death, but the truth is that we grieve many things throughout our lives, such as friendships or romance that end, transitions from one phase of life to another, or grappling with systemic failings. Whether you’re preparing for or have recently experienced the death of someone you love, or you’re preparing for or have recently experienced becoming a new parent,
The following information may help you to honor and tend to your grief.
Grief is a complex, embodied experience that can vary dramatically from person to person. “Grief is not just an emotion. Grief is a physical response with ailments, aches, and fatigue. It is an intellectual experience that asks a lot of hard questions about life, your relationship, what happened, and the future. Grief is also a spiritual experience that asks us the meaning and purpose of this suffering.1” The following list of symptoms is a quick look at the broad range of typical symptoms associated with grief.
Many, sometimes conflicting, feelings including but not limited to: sorrow, numbness, shock, anger, irritability, guilt, regret, anxiety, shame, relief, yearning, hope.
Fatigue: Grief is emotionally and physically exhausting, leading to a profound sense of tiredness.
Sleep disturbances: You may experience insomnia, trouble staying asleep, or sleep more than usual.
Appetite changes: A reduced appetite and weight loss are common, though some people may overeat.
Chest and throat tightness: A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the chest or a lump in the throat is a frequent physical symptom.
Physical aches and pains: Grief can manifest as headaches, muscle weakness, or general body aches.
Weakened immune system: The stress of grief can make you more susceptible to illness.
Digestive problems: Nausea, an upset stomach, or other gastrointestinal issues can occur.
Difficulty concentrating: Your mind may feel foggy, making it hard to focus on tasks.
Memory problems: Forgetfulness and trouble recalling details are common.
Preoccupation with the loss: Thoughts and memories of what has ended can feel intrusive and overwhelming.
Confusion and disorientation: It can feel difficult to think clearly, make decisions, or orient yourself to the new reality.
Searching behavior: You may subconsciously find yourself expecting things to be as they once were.