@amandaGL Question 3: What are some of the common experiences of grief?
Grief impacts us on a biopsychosocial level. Biologically we can experience it in many, sometimes frightening ways; heart racing, shortness of breath, nausea, sleeplessness, lethargy, changes to our appetite, lack of focus…even physical pain.
Psychologically, people often describe it as being on a rollercoaster of emotions; shock, overwhelm, confusion, helplessness, despair, guilt, rage, denial, depression, restlessness …and sometimes relief.
Socially we may become withdrawn and isolated, start avoiding people and places, change our faith and alter our beliefs or start obsessing over what we have lost.
Most people are surprisingly resilient even after the death of a loved one. Returning to a state of equilibrium within a few months of the death (though they may always carry the grief with them).
However, around 10% of people find the grief continues to be debilitating for more than a year after the loss, posing significant risks to long-term physical and mental health. This is complicated grief which often occurs after a traumatic loss such as a violent, sudden or protracted illness (sometimes also resulting in PTSD).
