Which of the following is an acute grief symptom?

• A. Numbness, shock, disbelief
• B. Chronic optimism
• C. Improved appetite
• D. Increased energy

Answer: (A)

Numbness, shock, and disbelief are classic early reactions to a loss, reflecting the immediate struggle to accept reality. In the acute grief phase, people often feel emotionally numb, stunned, and unable to fully grasp what has happened, which is a normal part of processing the event. This is why the option describing those sensations best fits acute grief. The other possibilities don’t align with the typical immediate grief response: chronic optimism suggests a sustained positive mood that isn’t characteristic of the initial shock and sorrow, while improved appetite or increased energy are not common acute grief symptoms and can indicate other states or coping patterns. Understanding that acute grief centers on the initial, powerful emotional and cognitive responses helps distinguish it from longer-term or differently polarized reactions.