The death of a loved one is obviously a difficult time and it helps to know how you might react and how best to cope with your pain.  The following information describes some common emotions and behaviors along with some expert advice.

Feel free to contact a family services representative at Laurel Hill for addition information and phone numbers for grief counselors.

Grief: The emotional response to loss.
Mourning: The process whereby we work through the loss, regaining a sense of balance and integration in our lives. Mourning is a functional necessity, not a weakness it is a form of healing. We need to create the opportunities for families to share their needs with us so we can help them.
 

Bereavement: Describes the event of loss, of death itself.

 

Chart of Critical Time Intervals

24-48 Hours The impact of reality hits.
5-7 Days Mild depression reaction feeling of “let down”
6-8 Weeks Most difficult adjustment period. The impact of the loss hits with acute symptoms of anxiety and depression:
  1. Loss of sleep and overeating
  2. Sleep changes
  3. Weeping
  4. Fatigue
  5. Tremors
  6. Acute mood swings
  7. Decreased ability to concentrate and remember
  8. Loss of sex drive or desire
About 3 months
  1. Irritability and complaining
  2. Physical and verbal actions out of anger and frustration
  3. Tears
  4. Physical complaints, such as headaches, backaches, diarrhea, etc.
About 6 months Depression
About 12 months on Mild recurrent associated with the anniversary of the loss also occurs, special dates such as birthdays, holidays.
12, 18, 24 Months Acceptance or resolution of the grief.