Our behaviour changes following loss. our world become destabilised. These behaviours include sleep disturbance, appetite disturbance, social withdrawal, dreams about the deceased, avoiding reminders of the deceased, searching and calling out, sighing, restless overactivity, crying, visiting places and carrying objects that remind the survivor of the deceased, and treasuring objects that belong to the deceased. I experienced most of these. One of the most difficult was being very restless. I remember one Sunday when I felt unable to sit, walk, lie, or stand. I could not get any relief, and I felt that I would not get through that day. I finally visited a healing priest, and managed to struggle on. It was a question of a minute at a time.
So, feelings, thoughts, physical sensations and behaviours are part of normal grieving. It is important to remember that the suppression of feelings can lead to depression, and depression can often be part of the grieving process. Some feelings are too difficult to face for a long time. Our thoughts, too, can be morbid, and these contribute to depression. Talk to you again on Monday. Have a pleasant week-end. Jim
Tags: bereavement, grief