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Do you recognize any of these feelings?
They are all common reactions among people
who are grieving the loss of someone they love.
Letting these feelings out is an important part
of the grieving process and puts you on the road
to recovery. You may also have physical pains
that are related to your grief. These may include
headaches or dizziness, upset stomach, heartburn,
aching in the chest and arms, a racing heartbeat,
difficult breathing, difficulty falling or staying
asleep, weight loss, exhaustion or lack of energy.
If you have any of these symptoms, try not
to worry. They will moderate over time.
Please consult with your doctor if any of
these symptoms persist.
Grief is more than a single feeling. It’s a cycle of
emotions that often comes over you in stages:
Shock.
The sudden death of a person close to
you causes such a sense of disbelief that you
feel numb. Shock actually helps many people
“go through the motions” to deal with the
distressing but necessary details involving death.
Denial.
The feeling that this tragedy is all a
bad dream is also very common. Eventually,
you will accept the reality and move on through
the grieving process.
Anger.
It’s natural to be mad – at the doctors,
yourself, even God – for not saving your loved
one. You may even be mad at your loved one
for dying and leaving you.
Guilt.
Blaming yourself for what you
“should have” or “could have” done is common.
You may not only feel guilty about the death
of your loved one but also about how your
relationship was before the death.
Depression.
This overwhelming feeling of
sadness can completely drain your body as
well as your spirits. Your eating and sleeping
habits may change and you may find it hard
to concentrate even on routine matters.
John Sullivan, Recipient
