by Nancy Horton

Created on: February 25, 2009   Last Updated: March 19, 2009

1.SHOCK: Depression of the vital bodily process due to violent mental or emotional disturbance.

Shock is a normal process for the body to experience after the loss of a loved one. This is the body's way of protecting itself from complete shut down. Shock usually happens within hours of their loss, and usually can last for as long as a day or two.

2.EMOTIONAL RELEASE: A normal process of relieving repressed emotions due to shock.

After shock begins to wear off, and the person is returning to their normal state, and feeling emotions; this stage can be quite powerful for both the grieving and the supporter. For the grieving it is an extreme amount of emotion that rushes in all at one time and explodes. This person may cry uncontrollably, begin to yell, loose control physically, etc.

3.DEPRESSION: A period of low economic activity due to grief, and emotional despair.

Depression is a common stage among most. This person may not get out of bed, may not eat a well balanced meal, resume normal activities such as work or other daily responsibilities, etc. "This is a normal stage" and should not raise concern. If this continues for any length of time, post traumatic stress disorder could be a factor.

4.PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF DISTRESS: Physical problems that can occur due to grief.

This is another stage that can be a common stage for the grieving to experience, however, not every person will experience this stage. Due to the overwhelming feelings of emotions, the body begins to have side affects due to the stress. The person can sometimes feel pressure in the chest, stomach problems, and fear heart attack, etc. They can also become physically clumbsy causing them to loose balance, fall, etc.

5.ANXIETY: Uneasiness to due to an unexpected misfortune or trauma.

This is a common stage for most experiencing grief. It usually last from approximately a week to as long as a couple of months. Due to the realization of their loss, the person begins to feel that perhaps they are doomed to endure additional grief or stress, and become uneasy about their future. Additional side affects can even include vivid dreams of the
deceased, so vivid that they believe they have actually seen or heard their loved one.

6.HOSTILITY: Openly or actively unfriendly to someone or something.

When the grieving is having a difficult time accepting their loss they will often point blame to another individual or dispute something; including family members, friends, medical personnel and clergy. They have the feeling

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