Adjust to a New Normal
Goal
To journey toward a new normal.
Characteristics of Grieving (Zamore & Leutenberg, p. 27)
The journey toward a new normal after experiencing a loss is long and often complicated. There are markers along the way to help you better understand the phases of the grieving process: shock, disorganization, and reorganization.
Shock: The reality of the loss has not sunk in. Common symptoms:
- Disbelief
- Euphoria
- Numbness
- Searching
- Suicidal thoughts
Disorganization: The reality of the loss is real. Common symptoms:
- Aimlessness
- Anger
- Anguish
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Avoidance
- Confusion
- Depression
- Fear
- Forgetfulness
- Guilt
- Hopelessness
- Isolation
- Loneliness
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of faith
- Loss of interest
- Loss of meaning
- Nightmares
- Physical distress
- Preoccupation
- Relief
- Restlessness
- Sadness
- Sleeplessness
- Slowed reaction time
- Suicidal thoughts
- Yearning
Reorganization: Rebuilding a satisfying life. Common symptoms:
- Changed values
- Control over remembering
- Balanced memories
- New choices
- New meaning in life
- New priorities
- Pleasure in remembering
- Return to previous levels of functioning
Characteristics of Grieving Exercise
Instructions: Consider which of the above symptoms you are experiencing currently or have experienced in the past. Grow in your acceptance of the journey that you are on and of the symptoms you are experiencing. Recognize the symptoms as being part of your healing process.
