Grief is the social manifestation of a feeling of grief assumed socially in the face of an experience of loss. It always happens that our life is forever affected by the end of a relationship, situation, project, dream.
The most common reactions to the grieving experience can be emotional, physical, cognitive and behavioral in nature, which can last for a variable time from just a few days, or even several months. Feelings such as shock, sadness, guilt, anger and hostility, loneliness, feeling abandoned, agitation, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia: desire to be with the deceased person; helplessness and even relief. They may be accompanied by physical sensations generally described as an empty stomach, tightness in the chest, a lump in the throat, intolerance to noise, a feeling of depersonalization, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing; muscle weakness; lack of energy; dry mouth; somatic complaints; susceptibility to diseases, especially diseases linked to low immunity, stress or lack of health care.
From a cognitive point of view, the experience of loss can lead to disbelief; confusion, memory deficit and concentration; obsessive thoughts; feeling of the presence of the deceased person and hallucinations. Changes in the mourner’s social behavior are manifested through sleep disturbance; loss or increase in appetite; increased consumption of psychotropics, alcohol and tobacco; distant behavior; social isolation, avoiding things that resemble the person who died, dreams of the deceased, hyperactivity and restlessness.
Ana Claudia Quintana Arantes
We can help
We understand that the loss of a loved one can cause great suffering to families and friends. Casa do Cuidar offers psychological support, as well as medical assessment of the bereaved to strengthen their mental and physical health during this period.
We offer the initial assessment service and support proposal for 6 to 8 sessions and afterwards, referral to qualified professionals who can continue the care if necessary.
To learn more about this project, send an e-mail to faleconosco@casadocuidar.org.br with the subject “Bereavement Support”.