Physical Symptoms – Stage 4

There is no getting around it. Bereavement will exhibit itself through physical symptoms in the body.

Following is just a partial list;

• Sleeplessness and insomnia or wanting to sleep too much
• Tightness of muscles
• Being lethargic with no energy

or fidgety and unable to sit still
• No appetite or too much appetite
• Digestive problems – “touchy stomach”
• Stress headaches

Our emotional grief can make us physically sick. This is very common.

If possible avoid the physical extremes of eating, exercising, or sleeping too much or too little.

Balance is key. I once had a Bible study teacher who would say;

---“You can fall off the bridge on either side.”---

Since I am such a picture person this phrase was very helpful to me in all aspects of life.

Go to Stage 5 - Panicky about our Preoccupation

Return from Physical Symptoms to Stages of Bereavement

Return to Bereavement Home Page