Title: What are the mental and physical effects of grief? | Grief & Emotional Health - Sharecare
Headings: What are the mental and physical effects of grief?
What are the mental and physical effects of grief?
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Content: At first, your grief may permeate everything. You may find it hard to eat or sleep. It may be difficult to muster much interest in the life going on around you. Symptoms similar to those the deceased had described may crop up in your own body—a frightening experience if he or she died from an illness. Some people, particularly children, may have other physical complaints, such as headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, or a racing heart. Restlessness, appetite fluctuations, and trouble sleeping are also common. Often, people note a surge in ailments such as colds and more serious illnesses. Studies show that people have a higher risk of sickness and even death after losing a spouse. Research stretching back for decades points to some reasons why this might occur. Many researchers believe that over time, stress-induced physiological changes cause or exacerbate physical ailments.