Feelings and symptoms of grief can take weeks, months, and even years to manifest and evolve. People don't heal on a timetable, but over time the emotions do ease. The brief time given to attend the funeral only touches the beginning stages of grief. Experts describe the feelings, symptoms, and outcomes of grief in various ways.

Broadly speaking, the feelings and symptoms of grief may include: shock, denial, anger, guilt, anxiety, sleep disorders, exhaustion, overwhelming sadness, and concentration difficulties. Most of the time a person feels several of these emotions at the same time, perhaps to differing degrees. Eventually, each phase is completed and the person moves ahead. The extent, depth, and duration of the process will also depend on how close people were to the deceased, the circumstances of the death and their own situation.

Some outcomes of grief may include: finding a new balance (which doesn't necessarily mean that things will be the same) and growth (readiness to move ahead with one's life).

Seek help if you have trouble coping. Contact NMSU Employee Assistance Program.