What does grief do to your body? Grief is a multifaceted response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone who has died. Though often associated with emotions, grief also affects our physical well-being. It’s not uncommon for grieving people to experience chest pain, headaches, fatigue, and changes in appetite. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the physical effects of grief in more detail.
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What does grief do to your body? Grief Fatigue
Grief fatigue is a type of physical fatigue that can occur due to the stress of grieving. Just as your body feels exhausted after a long day at work or a vigorous workout, grieving can also be taxing on your body and lead to feelings of fatigue.
Grief fatigue can manifest in different ways for different people. For some, it may feel like general exhaustion or low energy levels. Others may experience brain fog or difficulty concentrating. It’s also common to have trouble sleeping when you’re grieving, which can further contribute to feelings of fatigue.
What Can You Do About Grief Fatigue?
What does grief do to your body? If you’re experiencing grief fatigue, there are several things you can do to help yourself recover and find relief.
- First and foremost, it’s essential to give yourself time to grieve. Sadness, anger, and other intense emotions are common during grief, affecting your energy levels.
- Secondly, ensure you’re taking care of yourself physically by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
- Finally, consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group; talking about your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through can be very helpful.
Experiencing grief is difficult enough without dealing with the added symptom of fatigue. However, by taking care of yourself physically and emotionally, you can help ease the burden of grief fatigue and begin to heal.
What does grief do to your body? Changes in Appetite
What does grief do to your body? It is normal to experience changes in appetite when grieving. The emotional upheaval of grief can cause appetite to diminish or increase. Some changes can happen at a biochemical level. Hormones released during distress can alter taste buds, digestion, and metabolism. Read on to learn more about how grief affects appetite.
The first few days after a significant loss are often a blur. Many people report feeling numb and disconnected from the world around them. Thinking about anything other than the lost person or animal can be challenging. As the reality of the loss begins to set in, some people find that they have no appetite whatsoever. Others find that they are ravenous. Grief-induced changes in appetite are most common in the early stages of grief but can last much longer.
Grief causes physical as well as emotional exhaustion. For many people, the mere act of getting out of bed and showering is an accomplishment. Thinking about preparing meals and eating can seem like too much to handle. Some studies suggest that the energy required for proper nutrition is channeled into the grieving process, which can account for weight loss during bereavement.
On the other hand, some people find that they cannot stop eating while grieving. Constant grazing on high-fat, high-sugar foods can lead to significant weight gain over time. This type of comfort eating provides temporary relief from sadness and anxiety but does not address the underlying issues causing those emotions. It can make them worse in the long run by increasing feelings of guilt and shame. If you turn to food for comfort more often than you would like, consider talking to a therapist who can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Grief also alters hormone levels, affecting hunger and satiety signals. The stress hormone cortisol increases during times of duress, which can lead to cravings for unhealthy “comfort foods” high in sugar and fat. Cortisol also slows down digestion, which can cause bloating, constipation, and indigestion, further decreasing appetite.
It is not uncommon for taste buds to change when grieving as well. Loss dulls the senses, which may make food seem bland and unappetizing. Some bereaved individuals report feeling as though they are “tasting grief” – a metallic taste that lingers long after meals are finished. These changes are most likely due to alterations in zinc levels, which influence both taste and smell receptors.
If you have experienced a recent loss and find that your appetite has changed, know that these changes are normal and temporary – although they may last for weeks or even months.
If you’re experiencing changes in your appetite after the death of a loved one, know that this is normal and part of the grieving process for many people. This happens for several reasons, including hormonal changes, poor sleep, and emotional eating.
- If you’re finding that you’re either not hungry at all or constantly ravenous, try to focus on eating healthy foods and maintaining a regular eating schedule as best you can.
- And if you’re struggling to cope with your grief in healthy ways, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a mental health professional who can support you through this difficult time.
- Be patient with yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal emotionally and physically.
- Try to eat balanced meals when possible and avoid using food as a crutch during this difficult time.
What does grief do to your body? Physical Aches and Pains
When you lose a loved one, the pain is not just emotional. Grief can take a toll on your physical health, too. One of the most common physical symptoms of grief is headaches. The stress of grieving can lead to tension headaches, which are felt as a dull ache or pressure around the forehead or back of the head. Muscle aches and pains are expected as the body tightens in response to stress.
These pains might be caused by the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, the immune system is compromised during stress, making you more susceptible to viral infections like the common cold or serious illnesses like the flu.
Conclusion
Grief can significantly impact your physical health, from changes in appetite and weight to headaches and muscle aches. These changes are normal and part of the grieving process for many people. If you’re struggling to cope with your grief, seek help from a mental health professional who can support you through this difficult time. Be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal.
Resources
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2788766?resultClick=1
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/ss/slideshow-grief-health-effects