Grief — most people experience it at some point in their lives, yet it still can feel uniquely isolating when it’s your turn. This is because grief looks different for everyone, with each individual following their own unique timeline. You may find that understanding what is happening helps you feel less alone and connect with others who have experienced similar feelings.
Nothing can prepare you for dealing with loss, but understanding common reactions can offer some solace during this challenging time.
The Emotional Toll — The Kübler-Ross Model
The five stages of grief have been the predominant understanding of loss since they were established by Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969. The Kübler-Ross model lists the five primary emotions most people experience while grieving. Whether you are grieving the death of a loved one or mourning the end of a relationship, you may go through these five stages:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
Are There Physical Symptoms of Grief?
The time following a loss is fraught with major life changes. If it’s a death, you may have to deal with funeral arrangements and take care of the deceased’s belongings. Other kinds of loss, such as the loss of a job or a relationship, can upend your current life or your projected future. This can compound the stress and grief natural to loss, meaning that physical symptoms often accompany the mental load. In the days and weeks following a loss, you may experience:
- Changes in sleep: You may deal with insomnia and a lack of sleep, or you may sleep much more than usual.
- Changes in weight: People often become so caught up in planning for the next step that they forget to eat and lose weight as a result. Conversely, some people may gain weight due to stress eating and a lack of exercise.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: Stomach issues such as indigestion can arise when you are experiencing the emotional symptoms of grief.
- Body aches and illness: Grief affects your entire body, including your immune system. Your body may feel weak and become more susceptible to common illnesses.
- Other symptoms of stress: While experiencing grief, you may deal with fatigue, headaches, heart palpitations, brain fog and more.
Find Support for Your Grief Today
When grief transforms into serious anxiety, depression or develops other symptoms that put your life on hold, speaking with a professional can help you work through these complex emotions in a healthy way. Merrimcak Valley Psychological Associates is here for you — reach out today and let us help you handle the load.