Grieving occurs when you experience a loss. It is a universal process shared by humans of all ages, nationalities and religions. While an individual's grief is unique in many ways, there are many common signs that grieving is taking place. Learn to recognize the symptoms of grief in order to help yourself and others deal with the experience.
Emotional
Often the first sign of grief is shock. The person grieving may appear emotionally void, at first, because the loss seems unreal and is unsure as how to feel. Following the initial numbness, emotions of fear, guilt, irritability and depression often follow. The person may be apprehensive and easily provoked.
Mental
Grieving can be observed by the mental state of those who have suffered a loss. There is often confusion in the early stages in which the individual has trouble comprehending seemingly easily understood concepts. A grief stricken person may suffer from short-term memory loss, be unable to concentrate and may show impaired judgment. Later in the mourning period, mental symptoms may include uncontrolled, unwanted thoughts, nightmares, feeling detached from the world and being eager to deny the reality of the death.
Physical
Physical signs commonly happen during grieving. The individual may have chills or sweat, experience impaired respiration, high heart rate and/or blood pressure, upset stomach, nausea and dizziness. Over the long term, she may have problems sleeping, be exhausted constantly, eat too little or too much and even have visual and hearing impairments. These symptoms usually dissipate over time.
Behavioral
It is often possible to tell someone is grieving by his behavior. Sometimes a grieving individual will wander aimlessly, speak slower than usual, forget appointments and avoid the company of others. He may be very reluctant to speak of his loss with friends and family. Conversely, some individuals who are mourning seek to be with others all the time and to talk incessantly regarding the deceased. In some situations an intensely grief stricken person may be observed physically searching for the lost loved one.
Social
Social signs of grief often include withdrawal and avoidance of others. The mourner will often lack initiative and interest in making plans with others. The person may seek to stay in a particular location such as the room where his deceased loved one slept. When he does go out he may be overly dependent on those closest to him and react sensitively to harmless remarks or incidences.
