Title: 5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health | Get Healthy Stay Healthy
Headings: 5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health
5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health
1. Weakened immune system
2. Heart problems
3. Alcohol and substance abuse
4. Depression
5. Poor sleep
When to seek help to overcome grief
Working with your healthcare provider
If you have suicidal thoughts, get immediate help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or call your doctor right away.
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Content: 5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health | Get Healthy Stay Healthy
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5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health
Mental Health
5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health
Published on Jun 21, 2018
Authored by Pfizer Medical Team
Coping with the death of someone you care about may be one of the hardest challenges you face, and not just in terms of your emotional health. The fact is, grief can negatively affect your physical health as well. Here are 5 ways grieving can affect you emotionally and physically—and tips for working with your healthcare provider to manage any symptoms that you may have. 1. Weakened immune system
Your immune system protects your body against things that can make you sick. The experience of grief can actually impact the immune system. In one study, older adults who had lost a loved one had weakened immune systems compared with those who had not suffered a loss. A weakened immune system may also lead to illness and infections. A study showed that 249 people who lost an infant or child reported a total of 404 acute illnesses during the first year after the death. The most frequent were colds and flu, headaches, anxiety, infections, depression, and angina (severe chest pains).