How grief affects us - common physical & emotional symptoms
Whether the loss of a loved one is expected or sudden, we often experience emotional reactions that can be tough to grapple with. When coping with grief after a death, it is important to understand what to expect as well as where to turn for information, help and comfort. We hope the following information will be helpful this pursuit.
What is grief?
Grief can be defined as deep, sometimes prolonged sadness following a loss. We may experience grief as the result of any number of life experiences, ranging from the loss of a job to the death of someone we hold dear.
Common symptoms of grief
As unique individuals, it’s important for each of us to understand that there is no “normal” way to experience grief. Every person reacts to a loss in his or her own way, and the emotional fallout of a loss can be quite complicated, especially for those left with the important responsibility of making funeral arrangements. Here are some of the more common physical and emotional symptoms of grief:
Physical symptoms of grief:
- Lack of desire to eat or desire to overeat
- Inability to sleep
- Headaches or stomach/intestinal disorders
- Tightness in the throat or in the muscles
- Heaviness or pressure in the chest
- Visual or auditory hallucinations of the lost loved one
- Lack of energy
- Periods of nervousness or even panic
Physical symptoms of grief:
- Being overwhelmed with emotions
- Sadness and/or depression
- Mood swings
- Crying easily and/or unexpectedly
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty making decisions
- Guilt or anger about things that happened or didn't happen in the relationship with the deceased
- Unexpected anger toward others, God, or the deceased
- Desire to run away, or become very busy in order to avoid the pain
- Feeling uncomfortable around other people
- Not wanting to be alone
- Feelings of emptiness, or having been cheated
- Doubts or questions concerning why the death occurred
- Fear of what will happen next
For help coping with these symptoms, please turn to our article on helping yourself heal from grief and loss.
A practical, step-by-step guide walking families through what to do immediately after a death, from the first hours through funeral planning and the estate tasks that follow.
When you are considering cremation for your own future plans or those of a loved one, it is important to understand the safeguards that each provider has in place to maintain the integrity of the cremation process. A detailed and well-documented process means that families can be assured that the cremated remains returned to them are those of their loved one. At our funeral home, we have a high standard of professional ethics and detailed procedures regarding the cremation process. We use a crematory that we know upholds the same high standards. Multiple steps are taken at our funeral home and at the crematory to maintain an individual’s personal identity throughout the process. An identification card is placed with them the moment they are brought into our care. Three parties: a funeral director, family member(s) and the crematory technician, will review all cremation paperwork and permits prior to cremation. Families have the option to view their loved one before cremation takes place for a final goodbye. At the crematory, a numbered stainless steel identification tag will be placed with the deceased and remains with them through the cremation process. This information will be entered into our funeral home’s permanent Cremation Record. Family members have the option to witness the beginning of cremation, or stay for the duration of the process, if desired. After cremation is complete, the stainless steel identification tag will stay with the cremated remains, which will be placed in the urn or container that the family has selected. When it is time to return the remains to the family, we will verify that the person receiving the remains is authorized to do so, recording their name and make a copy of their photo ID, to further ensure the integrity of the process. With these safeguards in place, you can have confidence that if you choose our funeral home, your loved one will be cared for with dignity and respect, and their personal identity is maintained every step of the way. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help.
A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.
What are the first steps when a loved one passes away? The first step is to notify the proper authorities. If your loved one passes at home, you’ll need to contact emergency services. If the passing occurs in a hospital or care facility, staff will guide you through the next steps. Once this has been done, you can contact a funeral home. Our team is available to help you begin arrangements and coordinate transportation of your loved one into our care. Do I need to plan the funeral right away? While some decisions need to be made relatively quickly, you do not have to finalize every detail immediately. We will help you prioritize what needs to be handled first and give you time to consider the more personal elements of the service. What types of funeral services are available? There are several options available depending on your preferences, beliefs, and budget. These may include: Traditional funeral services with a viewing and burial Memorial services (held after burial or cremation) Graveside services Celebration of life Cremation services with or without a formal ceremony We are here to help you create a meaningful service that reflects your loved one’s life. How much does a funeral cost? Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the services and options selected. Factors that may influence cost include: Burial or cremation choice Casket or urn selection Venue and staffing Transportation Printed materials and flowers We are committed to transparency and will walk you through all options to help you make decisions that align with your needs and budget. Can I personalize the service? Absolutely. Personalization is one of the most meaningful parts of a funeral service. Families often include: Favorite music or readings Photo displays or memory tables Video tributes Special themes or colors Cultural or religious traditions Our goal is to help you create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s personality and legacy. What should I bring to the arrangement meeting? It’s helpful to bring: A recent photo of your loved one Clothing for burial or cremation Personal information (full name, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.) Military discharge papers (if applicable) Preplanning documents (if arrangements were made in advance) Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can guide you through what’s needed. What is preplanning and is it necessary? Preplanning allows individuals to make their own funeral arrangements in advance. While it is not required, it can ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are honored. Many families find comfort in knowing these decisions have already been made. What happens after the service? After the service, we continue to support families by: Assisting with necessary paperwork Providing grief resources Helping coordinate burial or cremation follow-up Offering guidance on memorialization options Our care does not end after the service—we are here for you in the days and months that follow. We’re Here to Help Planning a funeral is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through each step, and help you create a meaningful tribute for your loved one. If you have additional questions or would like to begin planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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