Expressions of Grief:

Emotional - pain, anger, guilt, sadness, fear, anxiety, depression, feeling of going crazy, restlessness, irritability, sense of helplessness, feeling like you don't belong

Cognitive - disbelief, confusion, denial, memory problems, agitation, always thinking about your loved one, feeling you can't do anything right and not caring

Behavioral - sleep disturbances, insomnia or sudden awakening, absent-minded behavior, social withdrawal, dreams and nightmares, acting out, grief attacks, low social interest, lack of motivation, boredom, jealousy

Physical - loss of pleasure, loss of appetite, nausea, apathy, decreased energy, decreased sexual desire or hypersexuality, lethargy, tearfulness, crying, weight loss or gain, tendency to sigh, feelings of emptiness or heaviness, feeling that something is stuck in your throat, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dry mouth, restlessness, rash, dizziness.

In our society, the grieving process is seen as an event, not a process. In reality, grief is a comma, not a period. If grief is not dealt with it can increase and weaken your body, resulting in health problems. There are no hard and fast rules to handling grief. Often, it is most helpful to follow what feels healing to you and what connects you to the people and things you love.

Some Useful Actions:

A complete physical exam following the loss of a loved one is vital to ensure the best care of your self.

Tell the story of the death, in detail, as many times as you need to. Find someone who will listen without comments.

Express your feelings: write, cry, say whatever you feel.

Care for yourself; a walk on the beach, a bike ride, a relaxing dinner with friends will help relieve physical and emotional stress.

Identify the gifts of the relationship with your loved one. Decide how to honor your loved one by taking these gifts forward.

Make new friends, try new activities, help others, and explore your spirituality to help to ease the pain of grief.