It is vital that each individual will have his or her own reactions that:
May or may not include all or any of these or may or may not be in this order,

Shock

Anesthetized against the overwhelming loss.

Denial

Not able to comprehend or face the magnitude of the loss.  Refusing to accept facts

Sometimes fantasizing the deceased is still alive.

Emotional Release

Beginning to realize how dreadful the loss is.  Crying and screaming with venting of feelings.

Depression, Loneliness, and Utter Isolation

Feeling that there is “no help for me.”  In the depths of despair. 

Physical Symptoms of Distress

Illness with symptoms related to loss and stress.  (It is not unusual for grieving persons to have a greater than normal number of sicknesses due to compromised immune systems.)

Panic

Convinced that “something is wrong with me” as a person. Fear of “losing my mind.”

Guilt Feelings

Recalling past neglect or mistreatment or the wrong done to the deceasd.  Whether real or imagined, I fell short of my self-expectations.

Hostility

Anger toward those who “caused” the death of failed to prevent it.  Often directed toward God, healthcare providers or other family members.

Inability to Resume Normal Activities

Cannot get back to “business as usual.” Tendency to avoid people.  Needs encouragement and direction to do something I.e., resume needed tasks.

Gradual Return of Emotional Balance

 Wound begins to heal with increasing participation in life.  Rate varies with individual and with an average from one to two years depending on type of loss.  

Adjustment to the New Reality

Not one’s “old self” again, but hopefully a stronger, deeper, better person for having faced and grieved the loss.  If not reconciled to new reality, may remain bitter, resentful and miserable.  A conscious decision as to how one will behave is often helpful.