Is this normal?

A profile of grief.

90%+ of bereaved individuals experience normal grief. They are able to adapt to life after loss with the support of their friends and family. 

The following are feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations commonly reported after a loss:

Feelings

Sadness

Anger 

Blame

Guilt

Shame

Loneliness

Fatigue

Helplessness

Shock

Numbness

Yearning - Deeply desiring to be reunited with the deceased.

Emancipation - Freedom from a constricting relationship.

Relief - That the person is no longer suffering.

Anxiety:

• Attachment based - Fear of not being able to go on without the deceased.

• Death anxiety -  Increase in one’s awareness of their own mortality. 

Physical Sensations

Hollowness in stomach

Tightness in chest 

Tightness in throat 

Sensitivity to noise

Depersonalization - Feeling that their surroundings aren’t real. 

Shortness of breath

Muscle weakness

Lack of energy 

Dry mouth

Cognitions

Disbelief

Confusion

Difficulty concentrating

Forgetfulness 

These symptoms of grief may be common, but they sure are overwhelming. Leaning on family and friends or sharing the burden of grief with a counselor can help alleviate some of what you’re going through.