Which of the following is NOT a common manifestation of grief?

• A. Crying spells
• B. Difficulty sleeping
• C. Increased productivity
• D. Changes in appetite

Answer: (C)

Grief typically shows up as changes in emotional and physical functioning as a person processes a loss. Crying spells are a direct emotional response to sorrow, and trouble sleeping often results from ongoing rumination and arousal caused by the loss. Changes in appetite commonly occur because grief can disrupt usual eating patterns, leading to either reduced intake or comfort eating. Increased productivity, in contrast, is not a typical reaction to grief. Most people experience fatigue, reduced energy, and difficulties concentrating rather than a surge in work pace or efficiency. If someone seems unusually productive while grieving, it may reflect coping strategies like avoidance or external pressures, but it does not align with the common pattern of grief reactions.