What are the common reactions to loss and how can I help someone through the grief process?
The death of a loved one is always difficult. When the death results from a war or a disaster, it can be even more troubling given the sudden and potentially violent nature of the event. A wide range of emotions may be experienced, including: denial, disbelief, confusion, shock, sadness, anger, humiliation, despair and guilt. These feelings are common reactions to loss. Many people also report physical symptoms of acute grief such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, intestinal upsets, sleep disturbances, or loss of energy. Profound emotional reactions can include anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, depression, and thoughts of suicide. There are several things you can do to assist someone you care about who is grieving. First is simply to be available to the person if they want to share their feelings. Listening is an important gift you can provide. Allow the person to talk about his feelings and to share memories of the deceased. Offer practical help such as babysitting, cooking, or runni
