Shock
In bereavement, the cause of shock is obvious. What is not so obvious is how shock manifests itself. It may be expressed as denial of the reality of the death, numbness or a feeling of impassively ‘going through the motions’ during the events that follow a death. Shock also brings with it feelings that we more normally associate with fear, such ‘butterflies’ in the stomach, loss of appetite or edginess. This is because when we feel threatened or alarmed about anything, our bodies release certain chemicals, meant to help us to escape or fight an aggressor. These adrenaline surges can make us feel panicky and breathless.
Other physical symptoms of shock include insomnia, loss of weight, headaches, heartburn, a susceptibility to infection, clumsiness and lack of concentration.
