Because the death of a loved one is so painful and grief can be so overwhelming, we can become frightened. Many people worry about grieving the "right way" and wonder if their feelings are normal.
Most people who suffer a loss find themselves experiencing one or more of the following:
· / Weakness / · / Unexpected and uncontrolled crying· / Tightness in the throat / · / Neglecting one's own health
· / Pounding or a heaviness in the chest / · / Preoccupation with the life of the loved one
· / Shortness of breath / · / A need to remember and retell things about the loved one
· / An empty feeling in the stomach / · / Assuming mannerisms or traits of the loved one
· / Loss of appetite / · / A tendency to respond to others with anger or irritability
· / Lack of initiative / · / Assuming a need to take care of others who seem uncomfortable about the loss by avoiding discussing it
· / Difficulty concentrating
· / Forgetfulness / · / Anger at being abandoned by the loved one
· / Difficulty completing tasks / · / Guilt or anger over things left incomplete in the relationship with the loved one
· / Loss of spontaneity / · / Anger with God
· / Difficulty sleeping / · / Doubts about the reality of God's existence
· / Recurrent dreams about the loved one / · / Tension and anxiety
· / Restlessness / · / Feelings of relief
· / Aimlessness / · / Anguish and depression
· / Mood changes over the slightest thing / · / A sense of loneliness and isolation
The list is long but by no means exhaustive. Normal grief takes many forms.
If you are concerned or worried about your reactions or just generally need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, someone at Hospice is there for you. Call 788-6600.
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BrvMailings/Doc.2 (2 wks)
7/2011