The Impact of Grief on Physical Health
Grief is often thought of as an emotional experience—a heavy heart, or the ache of longing. But what many don’t realize is that grief doesn’t just affect our minds; it can take a significant toll on our bodies too. As a death doula, I’ve witnessed firsthand how grief manifests physically and how it demands care and attention beyond the emotional realm.
Understanding the physical impact of grief can help us approach the grieving process with compassion and a focus on holistic healing. Let’s explore how grief touches the body and what we can do to support ourselves or loved ones through this challenging time.
The Physical Toll of Grief
Grief activates our stress response system, also known as the "fight-or-flight" mechanism. This surge of stress hormones like cortisol can lead to a variety of physical symptoms, including:
Fatigue: Grieving is exhausting. The emotional work of processing loss can drain energy, leaving you feeling perpetually tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, or restless sleep are common during grief. It’s hard for the body to rest when the mind is overwhelmed.
Appetite Changes: Grief can suppress your appetite, making food unappealing, or it can trigger emotional eating as a way to self-soothe.
Aches and Pains: Headaches, muscle tension, or even chest pain are not uncommon. Emotional stress can translate into physical discomfort.
Weakened Immune System: Prolonged stress can make you more susceptible to colds, infections, or other illnesses.
These physical reactions aren’t signs of weakness—they’re your body’s natural response to an immense emotional strain. Be gentle with yourself, this is normal and natural!
Grief’s Long-Term Health Risks
When grief persists without adequate support, it can contribute to chronic health issues. Studies have linked grief to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems. Prolonged grief, particularly if it becomes complicated or unresolved, can also exacerbate mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, which in turn affect physical well-being.
Now these risks don’t mean you’re destined for illness if you’re grieving, but awareness is the first step in taking proactive measures to care for yourself during this time. Self care, folks!!
Supporting Your Physical Health While Grieving
Caring for your body while grieving might feel like an impossible task, but small, intentional steps can make a big difference. Here are some ways to nurture your physical health:
Stay Hydrated: Grief can leave you forgetful about basic needs like drinking water. Keep a water bottle nearby as a gentle reminder.
Move Your Body: Gentle activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can help release tension and improve your mood.
Eat Nourishing Foods: Even if your appetite is low, try to eat small, nutrient-rich meals to support your energy levels.
Prioritize Rest: Give yourself permission to nap, sleep in, or take breaks throughout the day. Rest is an essential part of healing.
Seek Professional Help: If physical symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor or therapist. Grief-informed professionals can provide tailored support.
Listening to Your Body
Grief is deeply personal, and its physical effects can vary from person to person. The most important thing is to listen to your body’s signals. If it’s asking for rest, rest. If it’s crying out for movement, move. Treat yourself with the same care and patience you would offer a dear friend in their time of need. (We’re great at giving advice and terrible about taking it)
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Grieving isn’t just a process for the heart and mind—it’s a full-body experience. By acknowledging the physical impact of grief, we can take steps toward holistic healing. Supporting your physical health during grief isn’t about “getting over it” faster; it’s about creating a foundation that allows you to process your emotions while caring for the vessel that carries you through them.
Above all, remember that grief is a journey, not a race. There are no winners and no trophies here! Be gentle with yourself and know that healing, in all its forms, takes time.
