Grief

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Mourning; Grieving; Bereavement

There are typically 5 stages of grief. These reactions do not occur in a specific order, and may (at times) show simultaneously. Not all of these emotions are necessarily experienced:

• Denial, disbelief, numbness
• Anger, blaming others
• Bargaining (e.g., "If I am cured of this cancer, I will never smoke again.")
• Depressed mood, sadness, and crying
• Acceptance, coming to terms

Individuals who are grieving will frequently report crying spells, some trouble sleeping, and difficulty being productive at work.

• Prolonged symptoms may lead to clinical depression.
• Physiological signs of depression may be present, such as sleep and appetite disturbance.

Review Date: 10/17/2005
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.