Normal Experiences of Grief
- Shock and Numbness: News of someone’s death is almost always a shock to our systems. Shock allows people to function in very stressful situations; rational thought prevents emotional processing and lets you do routine, necessary things. This will not be a permanent condition, but may last for while.
- Emotional Responses: These will be frequent and intense at the beginning and necessary. Crying, yelling, walking, etc. may all be part of these responses.
- Depression and Loneliness: Even with people around you may feel alone and isolated.
- Physical Distress and Anxiety: You may get tired and feel exhausted. Get rest. Simple relaxation exercises like deep breaths may be helpful.
- Panic and Guilt: It may be difficult to concentrate or to do ordinary things that were easy. A sense of guilt may also be present.
You may experience all or some of these or other emotions associated with your grief. Please remember it is your grief and grief is unique to each person. Grief is not a series of stages or phases to be completed one by one and then your are done. Rather grief is a life-long journey of discovery about meaning and purpose.