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