Normal reactions to the loss of a loved one

Grief from the loss of a loved one can manifest in many ways such as emotionally, physically, cognitively and behaviorally.

Some normal reactions can for example are:


Emotional
Sadness
Anxiety or fear
Irritability or restlessness
Numbness or detachment
Guilt
Shock
Relief (if there was no suffering or a release from it)

Physical
Headaches
Nausea
Fatigue
Sleeplessness

Cognitive
Concentration difficulties
Forgetfulness
Confusion
Disorientation
Distraction

Behaviour
Avoidance
Social withdrawal
Increase or decreased activeness
Loss of appetite
Insomnia

The duration and severity of the grief is also influenced by factors such as the age or cause of death. For example the loss of a child in an accident may cause intense grieving that lasts for years.

Sources
Psychology : An Introduction, Russell A. Dewey. PhD 2008
http://www.intropsych.com/index.html

University of Illinois Counseling Centre
http://www.counselingcenter.uiuc.edu/?page_id=312

Grief Watch : Grief Facts
http://www.griefwatch.com/info/normal_reactions_to_loss.htm