ASPECTS OF LONG TERM GRIEF

• Feeling mentally drained and physically exhausted is normal and common. 
• The loss of a home, business, or income may result in a loss of self-esteem. 
• Unresolved emotional issues or pre-existing problems and previous losses may resurface. 
• Anniversaries of the disaster or traumatic event remind us of our losses. This reaction may be triggered by the event date each month and may be especially strong on the 1-year anniversary.
• Family  
• Relationships may become stressed when everyone’s emotions are closer to the surface, and conflicts with spouses and other family members may increase. 
• Family members or friends may be forced to move out of the area, disrupting relationships and usual support systems. 
• Parents may be physically or emotionally unavailable to their children. 
• Parents may become overprotective of their children and their children’s safety. 
• Children may be expected to take on more adult roles.

• Work 
• Fatigue and increased stress from preoccupation with personal issues can lead to poor work performance. 
• Conflicts with co-workers may increase, due to the added stress. 
• Reduced income may require taking a second job. 
• Financial

 Those who experience work disruptions may be unable to regain their previous standard of living, leading to financial concerns and unpaid bills. 

• Loneliness

Loneliness does not necessarily mean being alone. For example, people can feel lonely when surrounded by others. Loneliness is a painful awareness that you are not feeling connected to others and important needs are not being met.  Loneliness means to feel: 

• Excluded from a group. 
• Unloved by those around you. 
• Alienated from surroundings. 
• There is no one with whom to share personal concerns and experiences. 
• Difficulty to make friends and go beyond mere acquaintance.