Recognizing Symptoms of Loss
These are common symptoms of loss that can hit us and stick. It is essential to understand that these are common. You are not crazy. If these symptoms persist, know that you do not need to face them alone.
1. cognitive:
• Shock
• Numbness
• Poor attention span and memory
• Hard to concentrate
• Unable to find the right words
• Easily distracted
• Diminished ability to retain information
• Have a hard time making decisions
2. emotional:
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Yearning
• Loneliness
• Abandonment
• Vulnerability
• Helplessness
• Powerlessness
• Numbness
• Sadness
• Anger
• Irritability
• Relief
• Guilt
• Longing
3. physical:
• Exhaustion
• Nausea
• Appetite & weight changes
• Immune system illnesses
• Muscle tension
• Easily startled
• Gastro-intestinal irritations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Sleeping problems
• Chest pain
4. spiritual:
• Spirituality can be a source of comfort
• Spiritual Distress - unable to find meaning or purpose in life
• Feeling spiritually connected to God
• Finding hope in prayer/spiritual beliefs
• Finding purpose in life
5. social
• Your "give a damn" is broken
• Hypersensitive to your loss
• Feeling dependent on others
• Withdrawn and isolative
• Noticing others may be avoiding you
• Snapping at others (easily agitated)
• Having over-the-top reactions
6. family and work
• Hyper-vigilance regarding your loved ones / coworker
• Hyper-vigilance regarding your own health and safety
• Distancing to protect yourself and others from your grief
• Differences in how each person's reactions to the loss may cause misunderstandings
• Divided loyalties