Dealing with grief and loss

The pain of grief may include physical, emotional, and behavioral reactions. It is helpful to acknowledge and work through the grief responses. Being able to identify some common reactions allows you to know that what is happening to you is considered normal for people experiencing grief. Some common grief reactions are listed below.

Behavioral Reactions

  • Apathetic regarding activities
  • Blaming others
  • Detached from surroundings
  • Disoriented to time and places
  • Preoccupied
  • Seeking Forgiveness
  • Seeking Solitude
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Withdrawn from friends and activities

Emotional Reactions

  • Anger
  • Bitterness
  • Disbelief and denial
  • Guilt
  • Hopelessness
  • Numbness and shock 
  • Sadness
  • The feeling of being lost
  • Yearning Despair

Physical Reactions

  • Crying
  • Decrease in activity
  • Decreased resistance to illness
  • Deep sighing
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased sensory awareness 
  • Muscular tension
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Weight and appetite change

Lifestyle Tips for People In Grief

  • Eat regularly and maintain a balanced diet.
  • Avoid sweets, fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, and caffeine.
  • Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
  • Incorporate 20-30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine (after consulting with your physician).
  • Practice deep breathing in fresh air and maintain good posture.
  • Get adequate rest and take short naps during the day.
  • Avoid watching TV alone.
  • Keep regular hours and strive for a balance between work, relationships, and alone time.

Help is Available

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Grieving after a loss can be a difficult and ongoing challenge - but you don't have to face it alone. Whether you're going through a mental health crisis or just need someone to talk to, help is available.

Visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/MentalHealth for more information.