The Three Symptoms of Grief

Discussing grief can be difficult, especially if we are still mourning the death of a loved one. A common question we ask is, “What is my life going to be like now?” In this week’s episode, counselor Margaret McGahon discusses the three symptoms of grief – physical, psychological, and spiritual. “It’s important to connect the symptoms to the grief experience,” says McGahon. “We must honor this process and see it as part of the human experience.” She offers consolation and reminds us that the symptoms of grief are very common. She also offers ways to manage our grief and cope well.

You can view any or all of the counselors McGahon and Kathryn Clarke videos in our video counseling library to enjoy more of their insights. Today’s episode is the first in Season 3 of our popular video counseling series.

[AgingwithDignity]

Our deepest condolences to so many in the comments who have experienced profound loss. Many folks have expressed ongoing suffering from grief and asked questions on what can be done to manage it - below are three other videos by Ms. McGahon that may be helpful resources.




These are no substitute for individualized counseling or medical assistance, and YouTube has many other great resources. We hope these are just that - helpful resources for those struggling with grief.

[tonyrobinson]

Lost my dear wife 6 weeks ago after knowing her for 53 years I'm in a right dark place cannot even breath at times, I do wish I could turn the clock back I love her so much.❤

[kushkingla]

When I am gone, release me - let me go I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you love, you can only guess, how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love each have shown, but now it is time I travelled alone. So grieve awhile for me if you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part so bless those memories within your heart. I will not be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come, I will be near and if you listen with your heart, you will hear all of my love around you, soft and clear. Then when you must come this way alone, I will greet you with a smile and “welcome home”

[litafrench]

I lost my son, my heart has been ripped out, I'm 72 and I see no relief for the rest of my life, I have no desire to go anywhere or see anyone!

[lindaagee]

I have all thrse systoms. My husband passed away almost a year. I just wish people would leave me alone. My grief is my own

[TCBElvisAPresley]

I have every single thing that was mentioned for years now. It's basically my new normal, with no obvious reason to think it will change. I interact ok socially, hiding it well, all the while just missing what I lost, and there's no replacing it.

[fleaman]

I lost my wife of 44 years suddenly. I just feel numb, I do not know what I am going to do with my life.

[veronicaladd]

I have never been the same since my mum and dad died, I think of them eveyday ,

[TrayDyer]

I had complicated grief disorder for almost 3 years after my dad died suddenly moments after I had just been over at is house. I lost my head. I have no friends anymore. I treated everyone like crap and said horrible things to so many people. I literally have no friends anymore.

[gillianlee]

Lost my husband suddenly four weeks ago. He was 62 1/2 years old. We had so many plans and had both just retired early. I have experienced and am still experiencing shock, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, etc. Don’t know how to go on without him. We were so close. I plan to reach out for help.

[deonhauth]

I've been grieving for 11 years.. I'm 72 and have lost hope for any real happiness ever again.. nothing to look forward to. Just way too many losses, 2 of the losses were suicides.. just waiting for this life to finally be done with.

[maureenandcolinisles]

Thank you Ms McGahon for this excellent analysis of what really happens to person presented with a serious loss. Many of us had no idea what was to come before the loss occured. Your video is a great help in taking the mystery out of this terrible process of grief.

[overarainbowov]

Thank you very much for recording this.

[alices.]

I lost my husband in January and my emotions are all over the place. I avoid places that remind me of my husband. I can’t go in the backyard for more than a minute or two. We used to spend quite a bit outside and he would water the plants. My life has drastically changed and I am trying to accept the loss and emptiness I feel.

[neiberviva]

I lost my mother couple of weeeks ago and I cannot control the sadness and thoughts!

[bbygrlpt]

I just lost my grandma and feel so much guilt for not bein by her side bc I live in another country just to think I wont hear her voice again is so painful I cant sleep I cry all the time 😔

[horizonxx_]

Everything she is talking about it exacerbated when there is depression and anxiety present prior to loss. I loss my Mother who I was extremely close to and within a year lost my sibling to suicide. In my experience the grief is harder to process and becomes debilitating.

[JudiKerestan]

I have all these....6 months in to this awful reality. I scream for him.. I don't care or feel anything.Numb.

[robertvalincius]

My wife dead after 22 years she was everything to me its been 5 weeks im dead

[carmesebranch]

Damnit got all of these symptoms...but I will not run to substances