The Impact of Grief
The Impact of Grief
Grief impacts us in many ways.
When grieving, we feel the effects of grief, not only in the emotional impact, but physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Here are a few effects that you may experience in yourself, or see in those around you who are grieving.
Emotionally
- Guilt/Regret
- Fear (this could happen again)
- Anger (at the person/medical system/person responsible)
- Numbness/Shock
- Shame (if manner of death involved crime/drugs/suicide)
- Relief (if the person was suffering; was abusive/bad relationship)
Mentally
- Inability to concentrate/make decisions
- Easily confused and forgetful
- Disorganized
- Denial/Disbelief
- Constantly thinking about the death
- Loss of hope/not wanting to go on living
- Only remembering the good things/qualities of deceased
Socially
- Feeling left out/Different
- Change in peer relationships
- Isolation
- Withdrawal (of yourself or of others from you)
Physically
- Crying
- Changes in sleep
- Headaches
- Stomachache/Nausea
- Changes in appetite (increase/decrease)
- Weight gain/loss
- Energy loss or hyperactivity
Spiritually
- Loss or questioning your faith
- Anger at God/Belief System
- Questioning why bad things happen
- Looking for the meaning of life
- Strengthened faith/discovering faith
- Increased sense of connection with the person who died
More Information
Books and Resources on Grief
Browse the curated collection of books and other resources intended to help those who are grieving by providing insight and understanding.
Children's Grief Information
Further your understanding about the ways children are different than adults in the ways they process grief and how that changes over time.
Bereavement Resources in Michigan
The National Bereavement Resource Guide Sponsored by New York Life and The Moyer Foundation provides a compilation (PDF format) of state and local resources organized by state.
The Importance of Self-Care
Grief can be experienced in many different ways. Although there is no shortcut to healing, there are ways to take care of ourselves and help us get through each day.
If you are looking for support, we are available to help. Please call us at the office at (231) 947-6453 or by email at GoodGrief@MyMichaelsPlace.net and talk with one of our grief support staff.