Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

The Signs and Symptoms of Grief

In this activity, you will:

 Discuss the signs and symptoms of grief and loss in children

Facilitator’s notes:

For this activity you will need:

 Sheets of blank paper

To facilitate this activity:

1 Divide the participants into four groups and assign each group one of the following categories:

 Physical symptoms of grief

 Behavioural symptoms of grief

 Thought patterns associated with grieving

 Feelings associated with grieving.

2 Ask each group to brainstorm the signs and symptoms of grief according to their categories.

In plenary, ask each group to present their ideas. Add and clarify based on the facilitator’s notes.

The Signs and Symptoms of Grief in Children

Physical symptoms of grief:

• Loss of appetite


• Difficulty sleeping


• Tiredness


• Decreased energy level


• Slow movements


• Restlessness


• More likely to become ill or injured

Thought patterns of grief:

• “This isn’t really happening.”


• “He or she [the person who has died]
  will come back.”


• “It’s my fault.”


• “I should have been able to save
  him/her.”


• “I should have behaved differently while
  he/she was still alive.”


• “I hate him/her for abandoning me.”


• “I shouldn’t be alive when he/she
  is dead.”


• “No one understands what I am feeling.”


• “I do not want to live.”

Activity 2

Feelings associated with grief:

• Sadness


• Denial


• Anger


• Guilt


• Fear and anxiety


• Tension


• Confusion and depression


• Isolation and loneliness

Behavioural symptoms of grief:

• Lack of interest in people or activities once
  enjoyed


• Withdrawal and isolation


• Angry or aggressive behaviour, ‘acting up’


• Short temper or tantrums


• Lack of concentration


• Forgetfulness


• Easily upset


• Violent and aggressive behaviour, rage


• Petty crime


• Harming themselves


• Clinging

30 minutes

Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Unit 2, Module 2^189