Grief is a natural response to losing someone. It can affect your emotions, body, thoughts, and relationships. Everyone grieves differently—there’s no right or wrong way.
Common reactions to grief
- Shock or numbness: feeling frozen or overwhelmed
- Denial: acting as if the person is still alive
- Sadness or despair: deep emotional pain
- Anger: at the situation, others, or even the person who died
- Guilt: regret about things said or not said
- Anxiety: feeling unsafe or panicked
- Yearning: wanting answers or to be with the person again
Over time
- These feelings may come and go.
- Acceptance usually comes later, often after milestones like anniversaries.
- With time, people begin to adjust and find ways to live with the loss.