4 Ways Grief Can Affect The Body

Everyone goes through the stages of grief at a different pace, and the experience can be unique from person to person. 

Still, most people recognize grief as a mental and emotional health issue. There’s no denying that grieving a loss of any kind can wreak havoc on your emotional well-being. It can add extra stress, and even trigger anxiety and/or depression. 

However, grief can also affect the body, manifesting itself in physical ways that often cause problems. 

Whether you’ve recently experienced a loss or you know you’re dealing with grief, it’s important to understand how it might affect the body. Let’s take a look at four common ways grief can take a toll on your physical health.

1. Digestive Issues

One of the most common physical problems people experience when grieving is stomach problems. There are a few reasons for that. 

First, when you’re experiencing a loss, it’s likely that your eating habits will change for a while. You might not be eating as much as you’re used to. Maybe you even forget to eat sometimes because you’re so overwhelmed. 

Other people turn to food as comfort, so you’re eating more than you should, and choosing foods that can cause digestive distress. 

The anxiety you might feel with grief can also contribute to digestive problems, making you feel “queasy” or nauseous more often than not.

2. Pain

Research has shown that grief can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to pain and discomfort. Some of the most common issues people face include: 

• Headaches

• Muscle pain

• Chest pain

• Back pain

• Neck pain

Some of this pain has to do with tension and stress. However, grief can take a toll on your immune system, making you feel weaker and more susceptible to feelings of pain. Your weakened immune system also makes it easier to get sick, so it’s crucial to take care of your well-being, especially in the days following an extreme loss.

3. Sleep Issues

Stress, sleep, and depression are all closely linked together. The more down you are, the harder it can be to get adequate sleep. 

Unfortunately, the less sleep you get, the easier it is to fall into depression. 

It’s normal to be sad and feel overwhelmed while you’re grieving. But, when that starts to affect your sleep habits, it could lead to a whole host of physical and mental health issues. You’re more likely to feel fatigued, you can get sick easily, and you might have difficulty focusing throughout the day. 

Try to maintain healthy sleep habits as you process your grief, and establish a routine that will make it easier for your mind and body to get the rest they need.

4. Cardiovascular Issues

Did you know that you’re more susceptible to having a heart attack or stroke in the days following an extreme loss? 

A “broken heart” isn’t necessarily a real thing, but experiencing a heavy loss can absolutely take a toll on your cardiovascular health. You might start experiencing chest pains or a dull ache in that area. If you do, it’s important to see a doctor right away, and maintain your health and well-being as much as possible. 

There’s no ideal timeline for getting through the stages of grief. Everyone goes at their own pace. 

What’s important is that you work through and process your grief in healthy, effective ways. If you’re grieving a loss and you’ve noticed any of the physical symptoms listed here, don’t hesitate to reach out for help quickly. Feel free to contact us to set up an appointment for grief counseling. Together, we’ll work on healthy ways of understanding your loss and coping with your grief so you can move forward and take charge of your physical and mental well-being.