Title: How Grief Affects the Body
Headings: How Grief Affects the Body
How Grief Affects the Body
How Does Grief Affect the Body?
Physically
Emotionally
Sources:

Content: How Does Grief Affect the Body? Physically
Grief affects us in many ways: loss of appetite, fatigue, heart palpitations, tightness in chest, weakness, lack of energy, gastrointestinal disturbances, and weight gain or loss. Many of these symptoms are not harmful and usually subside over time. However, grief can compromise our immune system, putting us at risk for colds and serious illness. Grief is also associated with more severe outcomes, including premature death. Research has found a significant increase in excess mortality (above what we'd normally expect) from accidental, violent, and alcohol-related deaths following loss. Individuals are more likely to commit, or attempt, suicide during times of grief. Furthermore, emotional triggers such as grief may increase your risk for heart attack, especially if you are already at high risk. A study in Circulation reported that at-risk individuals are 20 percent more likely to suffer heart-related deaths during spousal bereavement.