April 25, 2023
“Your heart can start racing, your blood pressure increases, your respiratory rate increases, you become sweaty, as the body marshals defenses for you to protect yourself, one way or another.”
– Dr. Lisa M. Shulman
You can literally become “sick with grief.” Sometimes the emotional and physical effects are so intertwined that they are one and the same. Physical symptoms of grief can be debilitating and must be taken seriously.
You can feel so overwhelmed by your loss that you develop nausea, gastrointestinal problems and shortness of breath. You may find yourself panting and hyperventilating because of your anxiety and even develop heart palpitations and increased blood pressure. Dr. Lisa M. Shulman, professor of neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says grief can even trigger what is known as the “fight or flight” response.
Grief can also affect the heart muscle and lead to what is known as “broken heart syndrome,” which has similar symptoms to a heart attack. It is typically attributed to stress and is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pains and a racing heart.
Many studies have shown that grief also increases inflammation and can exacerbate medical conditions that you already have, in addition to causing new ones. When your immune system suffers, it can leave you susceptible to infection.
You may suffer from fatigue and not want to get out of bed. You will sleep more, and there will also be times when your mind races in the middle of the night and you can’t control it, possibly leading to panic attacks. Those who are grieving can suffer from headaches and loss of appetite.
Always remember to take in sufficient nourishment and stay hydrated. Dehydration has numerous side effects, including depression … so drink. Seek the help of your doctor if you find yourself suffering any of these symptoms.
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Practice self-care. Grief will disrupt your normal patterns. You may not want to exercise or eat right or be concerned with your well-being. Resist these temptations.