Emotional and Physical Pain of Mourning

When we think of grieving, the first things that come to mind are the feelings we're going through: sadness, and often depression, but as well anger, guilt, relief, fear, and panic.

I often grief as an emotional roller coaster ride.  I and so many others experience so many ups and downs that one is not always sure what feelings one is going through at that point in time.

Grief can even trigger physical pain and  has most often an impact on physical well-being.

Some people report feeling like they've been hit by a truck after losing a loved one - or as they lose the ground under their feet  and  get weak in the knees. Studies show that even more men than women  experience physical problems in the first half year and sometime even longer the death of a loved one.

Many of the most common physical problems is caused by the immune or nervous system, the cardiovascular system, or the digestive tract - and are often subject to the effects of stress and grief. When the immune system is compromised by grief, one can become more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections - especially during Corona this can be an additional challenge.

The effects of stress and grief on the cardiovascular system can also result in high blood pressure, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, and even a heart attack. It's no wonder that when you lose someone you love, it's said to be heartbroken or broken. Studies show furthermore that in married couples, the person who lost the other person has an increased risk of heart attack in the first three to six months after death.

Other physical symptoms of grief are that many people react by gastrointestinal diseases. Mourners complain of sickness, constipation, heartburn, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea - but most often affect appetite.

The ability and power of concentration and the brain can also suffer greatly from grief, some mourners report feeling confused - attention and concentration are affected. It's easy to get distracted and it's harder to plan things or remember something.

Be aware of physical pain

So there are numerous symptoms that a grieving body can go through. In addition to the above, there is general aches and pains, shortness of breath, anxiety, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches.

It is hardly possible to list all the symptoms of grief, since they are very individual - changing a lot ans they come and go and out of the blue they appears again. In any case, it is important to recognize the influence of grief on the body.

My suggestion to stay on top of your health when you're grieving - It is important to take care of both the emotional and the physical changes and pain.