From Bereavement and Support by Marylou Hughes
Taylor & Francis, 1995, Used with permission

PHYSICAL

Hyperactive or underactive
Feelings of unreality
Physical distress such as chest pains,
abdominal pains, headaches, nausea
Change in appetite
Weight change
Fatigue
Sleeping problems
Restlessness
Crying and sighing
Feelings of emptiness
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the throat

EMOTIONAL

Numbness
Sadness
Anger
Fear
Relief
Irritability
Guilt
Loneliness
Longing
Anxiety
Meaninglessness
Apathy
Vulnerability
Abandonment
SOCIAL

Overly sensitive
Dependent
Withdrawn
Avoid others
Lack of initiative
Lack of interest

BEHAVIORAL

Forgetfulness
Searching for the deceased
Slowed thinking
Dreams of the deceased
Sense the loved one’s presence
Wandering aimlessly
Trying not to talk about loss in order to
help others feel comfortable around them
Needing to retell the story of the loved
one’s death