Grief Affects the Whole You

In addition to the emotional feelings of loss, your whole body may feel affected by grief. This is normal.

You may experience:


• Feelings of weakness, exhaustion, or physical pain.
• Hollowness or tightness in your stomach, or an upset stomach.
• Loss of appetite or loss of taste.
• Shortness of breath or a tightness in your chest and throat.

You may feel:


• That people appear distorted or different.
• Confused.
• Restless.
• Detached from everything around you.
• Like an observer rather than as an active participant in the world.

At night, grief can lead to:


• Sleep troubles.
• Dreams of your loved one.

Grief may make you:


• Sigh.
• Cry.
• Yell and scream.

You may want to stay close to your loved one by:


• Visiting places that remind you of him or her.
• Carrying or treasuring his or her belongings. Some people find it soothing to wear jewelry or clothing that belonged to their loved one.
• Searching for or calling out for him or her.

Last, don't be surprised if you:


• Imagine that you see or hear your loved one.
• Avoid social gatherings.

Grief is not a sickness to "get over." Grief is a healthy, normal part of loving other people.



You are viewing the printer-friendly page version of Grief Affects the Whole You

Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
URL: http://www.positiveaging.org/consumer/lc_grief2.shtml
Category: Life Changes Grief and Loss
Page Name: Grief Affects the Whole You