Common Signs of Grief

Although everyone experiences and expresses their grief differently there are some common reactions. It can show itself in all spheres of your life: psychological (emotional), social, physical and spiritual. Grief can also be called ‘bereavement’.

You may experience some or all of the following:

Your grief may be painful and intense.
Your grief may take longer than most people think it should.
Your grief may take more energy than you can imagine.
Your grief may show itself in all spheres of your life: psychological, social, physical and spiritual.
Your grief will depend upon how you perceive the loss.
You may grieve for many things (both symbolic and tangible), not just the death itself.
You may grieve for what you have lost already as well as for the future.
Your grief may entail mourning for the hopes, dreams and unfulfilled expectations you held for and with that person.
Your grief may involve a wide variety of feelings and reactions: some expected, some not.
Your loss may resurrect old issues, feelings and unresolved conflicts from the past.
You may have some identity confusion, due to the intensity and unfamiliarity of the grieving experience and uncertainty about your new role in the world.
You may have a combination of anger and depression: irritability, frustration, annoyance, intolerance.
You may feel guilt in some form.
You may have a lack of self-concern and self-esteem.
You may experience spasms or acute upsurges of grief that occur without warning.
Your grief may involve continual changes.
You may have trouble thinking and making decisions: poor memory, organization and concentration are common experiences.
You may feel like you are going crazy.
You may be obsessed with the death or preoccupied with thoughts of the dead person.
You may search for meaning in/for your life and question your beliefs.
You may find yourself socially acting in different ways.
Society may have unrealistic expectations about your mourning and may respond inappropriately.
You may have a number of physical reactions: e.g. stomach upsets, headaches, non-specific aches and pains, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, etc.
Certain dates, anniversaries, birthdays, events, seasons and stimuli may bring upsurges in your grief.
You may try to escape from your grief by "running away" or making dramatic changes in your life.

White Rock Hospice Society provides support to people with a serious illness, their family and friends, from diagnosis through grief. We offer:

For more information, please call 604-531-7484 or email us