MANIFESTATIONS OF GRIEF

The manifestations of grief can vary from person to person, and may not be the same in each person during different periods of grief (i.e. with the loss of different pets).

Physical effects of grief include crying, numbness, a lump in the throat, nausea, fatigue or problems with sleeping (too much or too little). Body aches and stiffness can also occur.

Intellectual manifestations of grief can include denial of the loss, an inability to concentrate, confusion, hallucinations, excessive reminiscences of the pet, and preoccupation with the loss. Some people report a feeling that time is passing very slowly.

Emotional indicators of grief include sadness and anger, depression, guilt, anxiety or a desire to blame. Resentment and embarrassment may also be felt.

Social manifestations of grief include isolation, alienation, dependency on others or rejection of others.

Spiritual manifestations can include bargaining with a ‘higher power’, or a renewed or weakened religious belief. Some people will seek meaning for the death, and may question pre-existing beliefs on whether pets have souls or not.