The Impact of Grief on Physical and Emotional Well-Being
Introduction
Grief is a complex and multifaceted experience that can manifest itself in both emotional and physical ways. The journey of grieving is unique to each individual, and it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of grief to ensure proper healing. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of grief, its effects on our bodies and minds, and when it might be necessary to seek professional help.
When to Seek Professional Help
Dr. Kenneth Doka emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help if one is still impaired in key social roles or experiencing depression after a significant period of time. This indicates that the grief may be deeper and require specialized support. It is crucial to prioritize self-care during the grieving process, including adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition, physical activity, and avoiding substances that can worsen symptoms.
- Signs it may be time to seek professional help:
- Impairment in key social roles
- Prolonged feelings of depression
- Difficulty in daily functioning
Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder
Dr. M. Katherine Shear highlights the concept of prolonged grief disorder, where the pain of loss dominates a person’s life and hinders their ability to cope. Factors such as the sudden and unexpected nature of death can intensify grief reactions, leading to a continuous sense of loss and difficulty in moving forward. It is essential to recognize when grief becomes prolonged and seek appropriate assistance to address these challenges.
Physical Symptoms of Grief
Grief can have a profound impact on our physical health, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, stomach pain, and an increased risk of heart disease. Liz Kelly explains that grief-induced inflammation can elevate the risk of digestive and heart-related issues, while also affecting our immune system’s ability to fend off infections and illnesses. The mind-body connection in grief highlights the importance of holistic healing approaches to address both emotional and physical well-being.
Deeper Insights into Grief and Healing
While grief is often associated with the loss of a loved one, it can also stem from various other life events, such as the end of a relationship, job loss, or the death of a pet. Any significant loss can trigger a grief reaction, emphasizing the need for compassion and support during these challenging times.
It is crucial to acknowledge that everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Some individuals may find solace in support groups, therapy, or creative outlets, while others may benefit from mindfulness practices, physical exercise, or journaling.
One powerful aspect of grief is its ability to bring people together in shared vulnerability and empathy. By opening up about our grief experiences, we not only honor our emotions but also create a sense of community and connection with others who may be going through similar struggles.
Furthermore, grief can be a transformative journey that allows us to reflect on our values, priorities, and relationships. It can urge us to reevaluate our lives, embrace gratitude for the moments we shared with our loved ones, and find meaning in the midst of pain.
Summary
Grief is a powerful and deeply personal experience that can impact both our emotional well-being and physical health. Recognizing the signs of prolonged grief, seeking professional help when needed, and prioritizing self-care are crucial aspects of navigating the grieving process. By understanding the complex interplay between mind and body in grief, we can embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery that honors our loved ones and fosters resilience.
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April 4, 2024: Fatigue, headaches, stomach pain, and increased risk of heart disease. Although these things may not make you think about pain At first, many people who experience a major loss experience these and other physical symptoms.
People might expect the emotional and psychological double whammy that grief can deliver. Anger, numbness, walking on “autopilot,” and/or feelings of depression after the death of a loved one or close friend are not surprising.
What might be “normal” for one person could be a sign of deeper problems for another. So how do you know when it might be time to seek professional help?
“The answer for me is that after a period of time, if you are still impaired in key social roles or are experiencing depression,” you should consult a professional, said Kenneth Doka, PhD, senior vice president of bereavement programs at the Foundation of Hospice of America.
Grief tends to get better over time for many people. But if you have physical symptoms of grief, be sure to prioritize sleep and rest, hydration, eating regular meals, being physically active, and drinking little or no alcohol and other mind-altering substances, Doka said.
The analogy of a roller coaster can help. Dealing with grief over time means going through multiple ups and downs. If downturns don’t happen as frequently or last as long, that’s a positive sign, said Doka, who is also a professor emeritus at the College of New Rochelle Graduate School in New York.
One reason to seek medical help for grief that is not improving, usually within 6 months for adults or 1 year for children and adolescents, is that “there are good treatments available,” said M. Katherine Shear, MD, professor of psychiatry and director founder of the Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City.
“They’re simple, short-term and they work,” he said.
When grief doesn’t get better
The experience of grief varies from person to person, so not everyone goes through the same thing. stages of grief in the same way. Some people sleep too much or too little, eat more or less than usual, forget or have difficulty concentrating, for example.
When grief does not improve over time, you may have prolonged grief disorder. When people have this, “pain is the conductor in charge of the orchestra. Grief basically controls your life,” Shear said.
How the death occurred also matters. “The more sudden and unexpected the death, including violent deaths such as suicide, homicide, or a sudden accident,” the more severe the grief may be. COVID-19 deaths fall into that category, Shear said.
People with prolonged grief may feel like they are living like a robot, making mechanical movements because they have to work or care for their family, Shear said.
“They never really get the person who died out of their mind. They may have moments where they zone out, but more or less the loss is still the main thing driving their mental functioning.”
Beyond psychological meanings, death often has practical considerations. These can be “very profound,” Shear said. “You can lose the breadwinner of the family. Let’s say in a traditional family, then the woman is left to support the family. “That contributes to stress.”
“Every loss involves what we call secondary losses,” Doka said. For example, if someone loses a child, it is likely that he will lose connection with some of the parents with whom he interacted around the child.
And it doesn’t have to be the loss of a person. Some people grieve the loss of a job or the death of a pet. “Any loss of someone or something that is important to us or that we care about will trigger a kind of grief reaction,” Shear said.
Why grief becomes physical
“Most people understand that a major loss will affect them emotionally. The physical symptoms of grief can catch people off guard,” said Liz Kelly, a licensed independent clinical social worker and therapist in private practice in the Washington, DC area. She wrote This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A No-Nonsense Guide to Improving Your Mental Health.
Grief can cause inflammation in the body, which is linked to increased risks of digestive and heart problems. It can also increase the pulse for up to 6 months and can cause ““broken heart syndrome” after the death of a spouse.
So why does grief cause physical symptoms in some people? “Honestly, the best explanation is that the head and brain are physical entities and are connected to the rest of the body,” Shear said.
Doka cited a woman who suffered back pain after her husband’s death and another woman in the same situation who developed tremors. Grief can also affect the immune system, leaving a person at greater risk of infections and illnesses.
“It’s because we are whole people,” Doka said. Current research on grief notes that people can have emotional reactions ranging from anger to relief, cognitive changes, and physical symptoms. “You know, grief affects the whole person.”
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