Grief Resources
Grief is the experience of coping with any type of loss. Most of us think of grief as happening in the painful period following the death of a loved one. However, grief can accompany any event that disrupts or challenges our sense of normalcy or ourselves.
This page will showcase the types of grief, resources, and personal stories to help you along your journey of grieving. Remember, you are not alone.
Types of Grief
Anticipatory grief involves grieving before the actual loss. For example, you may begin grieving when you learn that you or a loved one has a brain tumor diagnosis.
Processing grief beforehand can prepare you to face the loss when the time comes. Still, it’s important not to allow grieving to distract you from enjoying the precious time you do have.
Delayed Grief
Instead of experiencing the emotions that accompany grief immediately after a loss, you feel them days, weeks, or even months later.
In some instances, the shock of the loss pauses your body’s ability to work through these emotions. Or you may be so busy handling the practical matters that accompany loss (like funerals and wills) that your body can’t grieve until you’ve handled these responsibilities.
Abbreviated Grief
In some cases, you’re able to move through the grieving process quickly. This is the case with abbreviated grief. Abbreviated grief may follow anticipatory grief because you can grieve a loss quickly since you’ve already done a lot of emotional labor while anticipating that loss.
Grieving for a short time doesn’t mean you never truly cared about what you lost. When it comes to grief, we’re all on different timelines.
Inhibited Grief
Inhibited grief involves repressing emotions. Most of us haven’t been taught how to process the overwhelming emotions that can arise when we’re grieving.
As a result, many people who repress their emotions don’t realize they’re doing so. Unfortunately, when you don’t allow yourself to pause and feel these emotions, grief often shows up as physical symptoms like an upset stomach, insomnia, anxiety, or panic attacks.
The Physical and Mental Impacts of Grief
Physical Symptoms
Loss is an extreme stressor that can take a major physical toll on your body. Grief can overwork your nervous system. It can cause a weakened immune system that makes it easier for you to get sick.
Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea/Upset stomach
- Restlessness
- Weak muscles or joint pain
- Feelings of anxiety (ex., tightness in your chest or throat and heart palpitations)
- Having a reduced or increased appetite
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much
Mental Symptoms
Grief can deeply affect your ability to concentrate, stay organized, or complete everyday tasks. It may feel as though your thoughts are clouded or scattered, making even simple decisions more challenging. Some common cognitive and mental symptoms of grief include:
Confusion or mental fog – feeling disoriented or unable to process information.
Difficulty thinking or making decisions – struggling to weigh options or choose a course of action.
A loss of hope or sense of direction – feeling unsure about your future or the meaning of daily routines.
Inability to focus on anything other than your loss – finding your thoughts repeatedly pulled back to your grief.
Memory challenges – forgetting details, appointments, or responsibilities you would normally manage with ease.
Legacy of Hope: Grief & Loss Support Group
Join us for our support group, “Legacy of Hope,” dedicated to caregivers who have lost their loved ones to a brain tumor. We’ve created this group to provide a compassionate and understanding space for individuals navigating the challenging journey of grief.
This support group offers a safe and empathetic environment where you can share your experiences and find solace among others who understand your pain. This will be a “book club” style support group where we have meaningful discussions about helpful books, articles, stories, and more. Whether you are mourning your loss, navigating significant life changes, or seeking solace during difficult times, our group offers understanding, empathy, and support.
This group takes place on the third Thursday of every month at 6 PM CT via Zoom!
Caregiver Stories of Dealing with Grief
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