The body’s response to grief.
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through. It affects every part of our lives and often in ways we don’t expect.
When talking about grief, we often focus on the emotional impact it has on us. But our bodies? They can feel it too. Grief can affect everything from our energy levels to our sleep patterns and even our overall health. From headaches and stomach issues to fatigue and aches, grief can manifest in so many physical ways. This is our body’s way of processing an overwhelming loss.
The hidden toll of grief on your body.
While each person's journey through grief is different, there are some common ways it can manifest physically.
When we're grieving, our immune system can become weakened, making us more likely to catch colds or other illnesses. It's as if your body is using all its resources to process the emotional pain, leaving you more physically vulnerable.
Our hearts can also feel the impact of grief. The emotional rollercoaster we feel when grieving isn't just a fleeting moment; it can linger and cause prolonged stress. The stress that comes with it can raise our blood pressure, cause irregular heartbeats, chest pains and, in severe cases, even lead to heart attacks. Physical pain is another way grief can show itself. Tension, headaches, back pain and other aches can become more frequent. Emotional pain makes our bodies more sensitive, so we feel these aches more intensely.
Grief can also cause what is often called ‘brain fog’, where it's hard to concentrate or remember things. You might find yourself reading the same line over and over without really getting it, or losing track of what you were saying mid-sentence.
When you're dealing with intense emotions, it's natural for your body to react as your body and mind are deeply connected. Understanding the physical symptoms of grief can help us be kinder to ourselves.
Recognising when grief affects you physically.
One of the most common physical symptoms of grief is fatigue. It's not just feeling tired, it's a deep exhausted feeling that sleep often can't fix. This tiredness can make even simple tasks that used to be easy now feel like climbing a mountain. Sleep can become a big problem too. Maybe you find yourself waking up throughout the night, or you’re so tired but can’t seem to fall asleep. Headaches are another frequent companion of grief. The constant tension and emotional strain can lead to persistent, dull aches or even migraines.
Stomach issues such as nausea, indigestion or feeling unsettled are also common during grief. Appetite can be affected differently for everyone, some may lose interest in food, while others might find comfort in eating snacks and meals to cope. This can lead to changes in weight, which can also cause additional stress.
If you already had trouble with digestion or sleep before, grief can make these problems even harder to manage. Taking care of yourself can feel incredibly difficult when you're grieving, but recognising the need for self-care is already a significant step.
Moving forward with your grief.
Everyone experiences grief differently, so it's tough to know how long the physical symptoms will last. These can linger for days, weeks or even months.
Imagine grief as the changing weather. Sometimes, it's a light drizzle that you barely notice. Other times, it's a sudden shower that catches you unprepared. These weather changes are unpredictable and don’t follow a strict pattern – just like your body's reaction to grief. This unpredictability can be challenging, but it's important to remember that it's a normal part of the grieving process.
Recognise that your body is processing a significant loss and it’s okay to allow yourself to rest, seek comfort from loved ones, and know that small steps can make a big difference. Take things one day at a time. Gentle activities like walking, stretching or even just sitting outside can help.
While it's essential to be patient with yourself, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help if the physical symptoms of grief become overwhelming.