Symptoms

Physical​​​

□Tightness in the throat
□Difficulty swallowing, choking
□Shortness of breath
□ Sighing
□Empty feeling in the abdomen
□ Loss of appetite
□ General weakness 

Psychological

□Sense of unreality
□Orientation
□Distraction
□Restlessness
□Inability to complete tasks
□Inertia and indecisiveness
□Sense of "going crazy"
□ Hallucinations

Warning Signs
If symptoms of grieving are prolonged or extreme, express concern to the family. Appropriate professional help may be necessary.
Symptoms may include:

□ Psychosomatic illness
□ Self-injurious or punishment-seeking behaviour
□ Overt violence or excessive cruelty
□ Depression
□ Withdrawal
□ Daydreaming
□ Disobedience

Anticipatory Grief
We think that by omission we can let children keep their innocence of life. In fact, we are keeping them from truly understanding life. Statistics indicate that one out of every six children will lose one parent through death before they reach age eighteen.

A trusted staff member must provide support and guidance for that child. When a parent or family member is suffering from a terminal illness, the staff member must deal with the child's anticipation of loss and his or her through various stages of denial, anger and acceptance.

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