You may feel overwhelmed by the emotions you experience as grief and the intensity of it can be very surprising and even shocking.
You may find yourself going through some or all of the experiences on the following list.
Remember that grief is not an illness although it can feel one at times; it is the normal response to the loss of someone we love. Nor do we stop loving someone after they have died.
How grief may affect us
Numbness
Disbelief
Anxiety
Confusion
Crying
Insomnia
Lack of appetite
Anger
Guilt
Depression
Everyone's reaction to grief is unique although if we talk with other people who have been bereaved we usually find that thay may have experienced similar emotions. Many people use the term 'get over grief' which can seem like it belittles the experience, although they are usually well-intentioned when they say this.
Experiencing the loss of someone close to us is something that changes us and may change the way we understand the world around us. This takes time, usuallly more time than we realise but eventually most people are able to make these adjustments and look forwards. This is even more difficult if we also have to make major practical adjustments in our lifestyle.
Experiencing the loss of someone close to us is something that changes us and may change the way we understand the world around us. This takes time, usuallly more time than we realise but eventually most people are able to make these adjustments and look forwards. This is even more difficult if we also have to make major practical adjustments in our lifestyle.
Page Last Updated : 28/03/08