Symptoms of Grief

When a person is experiencing grief, they may experience a wide variety of symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can appear in the form of physical and emotional symptoms.

Emotional Symptoms

When one is experiencing the grieving process, they will likely experience a wide range of different emotions. These emotions can include:

• Irritability and/ or anger
• A loss of faith
• Anxiety and/or stress
• Sadness
• Guilt
• Numbness and/or detachment

These are only a few emotions that are considered a normal part of facing the grieving process. However, it is essential to note that if these symptoms do not seem to be fading or feel so intense, they are impeding one’s ability to live their life; they could be a sign of a mood disorder or something else.

Physical Symptoms

While it is to be expected that grief would have emotional symptoms, did you know that the grieving process typically includes a few physical symptoms, too? The physical symptoms of grief include:

• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Fatigue
• Stomach issues
• Headaches, muscle aches, and chest pains
• Tightness in the chest or throat

Similarly, to the emotional symptoms associated with grief, it is important to note that any severe or prolonged experience of these physical symptoms should be discussed with one’s doctor to ensure there are no underlying health concerns.