The First Phase: Shock - The Impact of Grief
General Description of Phase 1
Disbelief
Confusion
Restlessness
Feelings of unreality
Regression and helplessness
State of alarm

Physical Symptoms of Phase 1
Dryness of the mouth and throat
Need for sighing
Loss of muscular power
Weeping
Uncontrolled trembling
Startle response
Sleep disturbance
Loss of appetite

Psychological Aspects of Phase 1
Egocentric phenomenon
Preoccupations with thoughts of the deceased
Psychological distancing

The Second Phase: Awareness of Loss
General Description of Phase 2
Separation anxiety
Conflicts
Acting out of emotional expectations
Prolonged stress

Physical Symptoms of Phase 2
Yearning
Crying
Anger
Guilt
Frustration
Shame
Sleep disturbance
Fear of death

Psychological Aspects of Phase 2
Oversensitivity
Searching
Disbelief and denial
Sensing of the presence
Dreaming

The Third Phase: Conservation-Withdrawal
General Description of Phase 3
Withdrawal
Despair
Diminished social support
Helplessness

Physical Symptoms of Phase 3
Weakness
Fatigue
Need for more sleep
Weakened immune system

Psychological Aspects of Phase 3
Hibernation or holding pattern
Obsessional review
Grief work
Turning point

The Fourth Phase: Healing-The Turning Point
General Description of Phase 4 Turning Point
Assumption of control
Identity restructuring
Relinquishing of roles

Physical Symptoms of Phase 4
Physical healing
Increase in energy
Sleep restoration
Immune system restoration

Psychological Aspects of Phase 4
Forgiving
Forgetting
Search for meaning
Closing of the circle
Hope

The Fifth Phase: Renewal
General Description of Phase 5
New self-awareness
Acceptance of responsibility
Process of learning to live without

Physical Symptoms of Phase 5
Revitalization
Functional stability
Caring for physical needs

Psychological Aspects of Phase 5
Living for oneself
Anniversary reactions
Loneliness
Reaching out
Time for the profess of bereavement

Source: Sanders, Catherine, M. Grief The Mourning After: Dealing with Adult bereavement, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, 1999, pp. 42-44. Table 3.1