Some Possible Signs & Symptoms of Grief

Emotional
  • Numbness, sadness, desperation, or yearning
  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic
  • Anger, irritability, or wide mood swings
  • Helplessness, fear, or feeling overwhelmed
  • Guilt, self-blame, or shame for feeling any of the above
  • Re-living prior traumas
Behavioral
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Social withdrawal, or increased clinging
  • Uncontrollable weeping
  • Increased risky behavior, or use of alcohol/drugs
  • Searching for the deceased, or avoidance of reminders
Spiritual
  • Crisis of faith
  • Seeking to make sense of death
  • Questioning meaning of life
  • Visions of or sense of presence of deceased
  • Anger at god, religion, or clergy
Cognitive
  • Life feels unreal or surreal, or shock & disbelief
  • Slowed or disorganized thinking
  • Forgetfulness or absent-mindedness
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Lowered self-esteem
  • Preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased
  • Suicidal thoughts

(Note - if you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself right now, please call 911 or go the the nearest emergency room.)
Physical
  • Deep exhaustion and sluggishness, or hyperactivity
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Stomach upset or GI problems
  • Headaches
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Increased startle response

(Note - if you are concerned about any physical symptoms, please see your doctor.)