Back to School: The Characteristics of Grief

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Debbie Vallandingham and therapy dog Piper
by Debbie Vallandingham, LMSW-ACSW, Angela Hospice Bereavement Manager

We all know that grief is what we experience after we suffer a loss. Although grief is experienced during all seasons, it is often felt strongly in autumn as the fall colors change. As we head towards the holiday season, here’s a short refresher course on the characteristics of grief.


Forgetfulness
Those suffering from grief often experience the loss of memory. They can miss appointments or forget to complete tasks.

Disorganization
Those suffering from grief appear to be disorganized. They may often start projects and then have an inability to complete them. They may feel disoriented and ineffective in their daily life because of that.

Diminished Concentration
Grieving individuals often struggle with staying focused and concentrating. For many, early mornings and late nights are the most challenging times of day.

Questioning Beliefs
The loss of a loved one can often lead to the challenge or destruction of beliefs. Some who grieve may engage in a search for meaning or look for experiences of transcendence and wholeness.

Constant Thoughts about the Loss
For those who have lost a loved one, it’s common for their mind to return to that person. It happens even if they don’t want it to happen. Their mind wanders, and it is very easy to lose focus.

Lack of Interest
Grief can often lead to a lack of interest in the things in life that used to be enjoyable. Often it is difficult to be interested in anything. Life has taken on a temporarily different meaning.

Lack of Patience
Those grieving have a tendency to be less patient than usual. Their fuse is much shorter and things become more irritating than usual.

Chronic Fatigue
Living with grief can be exhausting. Those who are grieving often may not have a good sleep schedule and may not be eating normally.


Not all people will experience every one of these characteristics. But it is important, as we interact with those experiencing grief, to be able to recognize how people are reacting to this challenging time in their lives.

For more about grief, and the support services Angela Hospice offers, visit AskForAngela.com.

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