Grief is a natural response to loss, a journey of emotions that can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. It is deeply personal — there is no “right” way to grieve, and healing happens at its own pace. Though grief may never fully fade, we choose how we grieve and how long we need; no one can make that decision for us. You will always miss your loved one, but with time, support, and care, the pain can soften, and the memories can bring more comfort than sorrow.
Common Symptoms of Grief
Grief affects the mind, body, and spirit in different ways. You may experience:
Emotional Symptoms:
Deep sadness, loneliness, or emptiness
Anger, frustration, or guilt over what was lost or left unsaid
Changes in sleep—difficulty falling asleep, waking up often, or oversleeping
Loss of appetite or overeating as a way to cope
Aches, pains, headaches, or a feeling of heaviness in the body
Physical Symptoms:
Fatigue, exhaustion, or lack of energy
Changes in sleep—difficulty falling asleep, waking up often, or oversleeping
Loss of appetite or overeating as a way to cope
Aches, pains, headaches, or a feeling of heaviness in the body
Mental Symptoms:
Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally “foggy”
Trouble making decisions or feeling easily overwhelmed
Constantly thinking about the loss or avoiding thoughts of it altogether
Questioning beliefs, purpose, or the meaning of life
Behavioral Symptoms:
Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities you once enjoyed
Feeling restless, unable to sit still, or struggling with motivation
Avoiding reminders of your loss or, conversely, seeking them out constantly
Increased reliance on substances, distractions, or unhealthy coping mechanisms
Behavioral Symptoms:
Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities you once enjoyed
Feeling restless, unable to sit still, or struggling with motivation
Avoiding reminders of your loss or, conversely, seeking them out constantly
Increased reliance on substances, distractions, or unhealthy coping mechanisms
Grief is not something to “get over”—it is something to move through, one step at a time. You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. LOVS is here to walk with you.💙
