Common Reactions to Grief          

Emotional Reactions

• Changes in mood (irritable, erratic shifts)
• Changes in behavior, activity level, or interests
• Panic/fear
• Anger and anxiety
• Sadness and numbness
• Shock and disbelief
• Guilt

 Physical Reactions

• Changes in appetite (increase or decrease)
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Nightmares
• Headaches and/or stomach aches
• Fatigue/Lack of energy
• Increased sickness

Psychological Reactions

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Preoccupation with the loss
• Distracted, decreased attention span
• Short-term memory loss
• Confusion

Social Reactions

• Detached from self, family, friends
• Changes in interests and activities
• Isolation
• Avoidance of large groups and social gatherings
• Loss of a sense of reality
• Changes in sexual activity
• Changes in beliefs and values

Complicated Grief Responses

* Depression   *Destructive Behavior   * Substance Abuse   * Recurring Flashbacks
* Risk taking behavior   * Withdrawn   * Suicidal Thoughts   * Homicidal thoughts

If you experience the above complicated response symptoms it is important to seek professional help.