Grief is as much a physical process as it is mental and emotional

Emotional symptoms associated with grief are complex and may include:

• Sadness

• Anger- feeling that the loss is unfair or shouldn’t have happened

• Anxiety

• Guilt- feeling like you could have done something to prevent the loss, or for experiencing moments of feeling good after

• Relief- especially after prolonged illness and witnessing your loved one suffering, common with caretakers or if you had a complicated or abusive relationship with who you lost

Feelings of grief may fluctuate in intensity and come in waves- you might only feel some of these emotions or several at the same time

Physical symptoms of grief are common due to changes in the nervous system, they include:

• Fatigue and heaviness in the body

• Changes in appetite and weight

• Headaches, skin rashes

• Increased or decreased energy

• Sleep difficulties and restlessness

The stress of grief can take a toll on the body, taking care of both your mental and physical health is essential after loss

Mental symptoms associated with grief can include:

• Brain fog and disorientation- forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Dissociation- feeling numb, detached and disconnected

• Shock, confusion and disbelief

• Existential or spiritual struggles- changes in beliefs or faith, questioning the meaning of life, loss of interest in what used to inspire you

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief are recognized as:

1. Denial – Difficulty accepting the loss, feeling numb or in shock.

2. Anger – Frustration, questioning "Why me?" or feeling resentful about the loss.

3. Bargaining – Attempting to make deals or asking "What if?" in hopes of reversing the loss.

4. Depression – Experiencing deep sadness, regret, and sorrow over the loss.

5. Acceptance – Finding a sense of peace with the reality of the loss.

David Kessler, a grief expert, proposed a sixth stage of grief: Finding Meaning. This stage involves seeking understanding and purpose after the loss. It can be a crucial step toward healing, as it allows individuals to:

1. Reflect on the life and legacy of the person they lost.

2. Identify positive changes or growth resulting from the grief experience.

3. Discover new ways to honor the memory of their loved one and find a renewed sense of purpose.

The grief stages are not experienced in a set order. People may experience these stages in different sequences, skip some stages, or revisit them throughout the grieving process.

Grief is a non-linear process, meaning the stages are not experienced in a set order and may repeat as apart of the healing journey