Office of Decedent Affairs
Grief and loss affect everyone differently. Your reactions may be very different from others. How you grieve may depend upon several factors. One factor is the circumstance of the loss (who has died, whether the death was sudden or followed a chronic illness, how the person died, if the death was violent or due to suicide). Other factors contributing to the way you grieve are personal factors such as gender; age and life experience; culture and faith; and personality. (Adapted from Working through Grief: A Self-Care Handbook, Channing L. Bete, Grass Roots Press, 2005)
Regardless of how you grieve, please make sure that during your time of grief you take care of yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually. You may find that you need to let go of prior expectations of yourself while you are coping with this loss in your life. Please know that you are not alone in your daily struggles. Accept help when it is offered; seek help if it is not.
Normal Grief Emotions
Anger
Denial
Disbelief
Shock
Confusion
Sadness
Guilt
Yearning
Normal Physical Symptoms of Grief
Loss of appetite
Low energy level
Upset stomach
Headaches
Sleep disturbance
Ways to Live with Overwhelming Loss
- Express your feelings (talk to a friend, write in journal, somehow vent your feelings).
- Seek caring people (support group, family and relatives, someone who has the ability to listen).
- Avoid making major life changes.
- Make sure to look after your own health.
- Be patient; it may take months or years to begin to accept your loss.
(Adapted from Help Starts Here)
If you are experiencing any of these emotional and physical responses, and they become extremely difficult, unbearable or intrusive – or hinder your ability to function on a daily basis – please talk with your doctor, mental health provider or spiritual leader. They can assist you in dealing with your grief.
You may also contact UMHS Depression Center at 734-936-4400.
