Grief can be painful, frightening, and overwhelming. Like many people, you may
worry that you are grieving appropriately, and wonder if the feelings you have
are normal. Grief is very individual. Remember, there is no "right way"
to grieve.
Most people who suffer a loss experience one or more of the following:
Tightness in the throat or heaviness in the chest
Empty feeling in the stomach and loss of appetite
Guilt feelings at times, and anger at other times
Difficulty concentrating, restlessness
Sense of unreality, that the death didn't actually happen
Presence of the loved one including hearing his/her voice or seeing his/her
face
Aimless wandering, difficulty completing tasks
Difficulty sleeping and dreams of the loved one
Preoccupation with the life of the loved one
Assumption of mannerisms or traits of the loved one
Guilt or anger over things that happened or didn't happen in the relationship
Anger with the loved one for leaving or with caregivers for "letting
him/her go"
A need to avoid talking about feelings of loss in order to take care of
people who seem uncomfortable
A need to tell and retell and remember things about the loved one and the
experience of the death
Mood changes over the slightest things
Crying at unexpected times or in unexpected places
These are all natural and normal responses. It is important to cry and talk
with people when you need to. This might be an important time to seek assistance
from a grief support group, a counselor or a clergy person.
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