When we experience a major loss, grief is the normal and natural way our mind and body react. Everyone grieves differently. And at the same time there are common patterns people tend to share.
For example,
someone experiencing grief usually moves through a series of emotional
stages, such as shock, numbness, guilt, anger and denial. And physical
responses are typical also. They can include: sleeplessness, inability
to eat or concentrate, lack of energy, and lack of interest in
activities previously enjoyed.
Time always plays an important
role in the grieving process. As the days, weeks and months go by, the
person who is experiencing loss moves through emotional and physical
reactions that normally lead toward acceptance, healing and getting on
with life as fully as possible.
Sometimes a person can become
overwhelmed or bogged down in the grieving process. Serious losses are
never easy to deal with, but someone who is having trouble beginning to
actively re-engage in life after a few months should consider getting
professional help. For example, if continual depression or physical
symptoms such as loss of appetite, inability to sleep, or chronic lack
of energy persists, it is probably time to see a doctor.
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