People who are grieving the death of a loved one suffer often wonder whether their grief is normal. Grief is a normal response after the death of a family member or close friend and healing too, is a part of that process.

There is no universal rule when it comes to healing. Different people face grief differently. Some become very emotional while others are unable to control their tears. Therefore, it is difficult to categorize grief as normal or otherwise.

People have different personalities, different emotional quotients and face different situations of death. The combinations of these factors differ and so too the manifestations of grief among individuals.

Some of the common symptoms of grief include:

Physical Symptoms That Are Normal

• Lack of sleep or insomnia
• Nausea for food
• Overeating
• Dryness of mouth
• Dry, rough skin
• Pain near the heart area
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty remembering things
• Confused feeling
• Other

Emotional Symptoms That Are Normal

• Losing sense of reality
• Preference for loneliness
• A feeling that there is nothing worth living for
• A feeling of anger and helplessness about oneself in being unable to prevent the death
• A feeling of shock or guilt
• Depressive feelings
• A sense of relief for the dead especially in cases the loved one suffered a serious illness

Though most of the above symptoms are normal while grieving, it provides some relief to talk about one’s feelings and frustrations with someone who can listen and console you. If the symptoms are severe, it is useful to approach a grief counsellor to lower your emotional pitch and help to accept the reality of the death of a loved one.

At Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Homes, we provide comprehensive funeral services and can help you with all aspects of the process so if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.