Some physical symptoms include:

• Losing or gaining weight

• Headaches

• Sleeplessness or wanting to sleep all the time

• Exhaustion

• Body aches and pains

• Stomach upsets

• Feeling out of breath

• Increased heart rate

• Increase in colds and infections

This is why it is important to look after you. If you are experiencing any of the above let someone know.

Getting checked out

Physical symptoms may freak you out and you might be scared that you have cancer or another serious illness. This is not an uncommon thought.

That’s why it is important to get them checked out – it may stop you worrying unnecessarily.

If you are over 14 you can make an appointment with a doctor without your parents’ permission. You will need your Medicare number (you don’t need the card just the number).

A healthy body

• Eat well throughout the day. Several small meals instead of 3 big ones might make it easier if your appetite is down.

• Get enough sleep. If this is hard, try meditation, relaxation exercises or listening to music. A warm shower, bath or herbal drink before you go to bed can also help.

• Try to keep up with sport or regular exercise.

• Take time to chill out with your friends.

• Try to find something that makes you smile or laugh.

• Listen to music that helps your mood.

A healthy head

Physical symptoms could be an expression of your grief. You can treat the symptoms (eg. take pain killers for headaches) but if you don’t deal with your grief then they will keep coming back.

It will help if you find ways to relax. You could try:

• Dealing with smaller problems so you can stop worrying about them.

• Talking to someone about how you’re feeling (easier said than done, we know).

• Writing your thoughts down – keep a journal, diary or blog.

• Finding others who are in the same situation as you.