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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