The Impact of GriefÂ
and Some Tools to Help
Grief has been considered one of the most severe threats to the health, productivity, and well-being of bereaved people (Strobe, et al 2001).
The death of a loved one and other losses such as divorce or major changes are extremely difficult yet inherent aspects of human life. The resulting grief is often overwhelming. Grief brings major intrusions on the bereaved person's cognitive, emotional, physical, and interpersonal functioning (Bonano, 2004, Hayes, 2008, Lindemann,1944).
Courses, Community & Coaching
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms might include: Headaches, Nausea, Fatigue, Upset stomach, Heart palpitations, Joint or muscle pain, Chest or throat tightness, Difficulty breathing, Dry mouth, Changes in appetite, Trouble sleeping.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms might include: Irritability, Short temper, Restlessness, Avoidance of social activities, Feeling alone, Not enjoying food you used to, Not enjoying activities you used to.
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional symptoms might include: Intense emotional pain, Anger, Bitterness, Sorrow, Identity disruption, Disbelief about the death, Emotional numbness, Feeling that life is meaningless.
"Grief must be witnessed" – David KesslerÂ
David Kessler is the author of "Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief" and other books, including those he co-authored with Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Kubler-Ross was the author of the "Five Stages of Grief" many of us are familiar with.
Current research builds on existing theory, and reminds us that Kubler-Ross did not intend to give the idea that the stages were linear, and both authors make it clear that grief is a unique journey for each person. David Kessler is one of my mentors.
Much of my work builds from "The Dual Process Model of Bereavement" developed by Stroebe and Schut (1999). – Shawn Brogan Diddy MA, CHC, PhD Candidate
Grief – a physical, emotional, and psychological reaction to loss
 – reflects a fundamental human experience with significant implications for organizations.
Effective grief support requires a better understanding of the complex interplay between the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal factors that shape the experience of loss.Â
From "The Complexity and Embeddedness of Grief at work: A social-ecological model" (2023) – author Glenda M. Fisk
Join our
"Navigating Grief and the Holidays" Community
We're glad you're here! You are not alone. Let's navigate grief and the holidays together.
