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What To Expect
Common Dimensions of Grief:
 Feelings
- shock, numbness, denial, disbelief
- anxiety, fear, panic
- loss, emptiness
- loneliness
- sadness, depression
- loss of pleasure
- hurt, frustration
- helplessness, hopelessness
- explosive emotions - anger, hate, resentment, jealousy
- guilt, regret
- disorganization, confusion
- relief, emancipation
- reconciliation, re-establishment
Thoughts
- disbelief
- confusion
- preoccupation with the deceased
- sense of presence
- lack of concentration
- trouble remembering things
Behaviors
- absent-minded behavior
- crying and sobbing
- restlessness, inability to sit still
- trying to "stay busy"
- visiting places or carrying objects which remind you of the deceased
- treasuring objects belonging to the deceased
- avoiding reminders of the deceased
- experiencing "grief attacks" - sudden, acute upsurges of grief
- dreams of the deceased
Social Dimensions
- social withdrawal
- fearful of being alone
- dependent, clingy behavior
- surround yourself with others as a form of distraction
- irritable
- moody
- attempts to replace the loss
- changes in role, status, family system
Physical Dimensions
- fatigue, lack of energy
- hollowness in the stomach, stomach-ache, other gastrointestinal disturbances
- sleep difficulties (too much or too little; interrupted sleep)
- weight loss or weight gain (with associated appetite changes)
- feelings of emptiness and heaviness
- heart palpitations, trembling, shaking, hot flashes, and other indications of anxiety
- nervousness, tension, agitation, irritability
- shortness of breath
- headache
- muscle aches and pains
- chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
Spiritual
- searching for meaning
- asking the "why" questions
- mystical experiences
- reassessing values, beliefs, and priorities
- feeling anger at God
- feeling abandoned by God
- experiencing comfort from God and faith community
- exploring new dimensions of faith
- using rituals to help the healing process
- prayer and meditation
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