Grief

Grief

Signs and Symptoms

Grief is a natural course of action that people go thorough when they suffer a deep loss. The reactions or symptoms it produces vary largely from one person to another. They may include:
1. Extreme depression.
2. Fatigue.
3. Sudden shifts in emotions-being numb and emotionless one minute and crying uncontrollably in the next minute.
4. Significant changes in sleeping patterns, such as trouble falling asleep, waking to sleep all the time.
5. Physical pain or discomfort.
6. Either loss of appetite or compulsive overeating.
7. Feeling of helplessness, confusion, and hopelessness.
8. Absentmindedness; such difficulty making decisions or concentrating in even simple acts, like reading a newspaper, seem nearly impossible.
9. Self-destructive behavior, including such actions as driving recklessly or abusing drugs or alcohol.

What to do now

1. Don’t hide your grief from friends.
2. In case of a death or other traumatic event in your family, your children need to grieve too, and may need your encouragement.
3. Put off making major decisions- whether to move from your home, what to do with your loved one’s possessions-while you’re in the midst of grieving.
4. Don’t leave important things unsaid or undone before someone dies.
5. If you know someone who is grieving, don’t be afraid to make contact and talk with him or her.

When to call a doctor

1. If you feel physically ill and think you need a doctor’s help. Ailments caused by grief can be serious.
2. If symptoms of depression last longer than two months, or if you feel suicidal.

Posted in: Health Tips