Title: How to Cope With the Physical Effects of Grief
Headings: How to Cope With the Physical Effects of Grief
How to Cope With the Physical Effects of Grief
Digestive Problems
Driving Ability
Energy Loss
Illness
Miscellaneous
Nervousness
Pain or Discomfort
Sleeping Too Little
Sleeping Too Much
Weight Gain
Weight Loss
Temperature-Related Discomfort
Coping With the Physical Effects of Grief
Stay Hydrated
Get Exercise
Eat Properly
Get Rest

Content: How to Cope With the Physical Effects of Grief
Emotions
How to Cope With the Physical Effects of Grief
By
Chris Raymond
Chris Raymond is an expert on funerals, grief, and end-of-life issues, as well as the former editor of the world’s most widely read magazine for funeral directors. Learn about our editorial process
Chris Raymond
Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on November 26, 2019
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Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Review Board
Daniel B. Block, MD
Updated on March 24, 2020
SasinParaksa / iStock
Many people mistakenly believe that grief is a single emotion, but normal grief is actually a powerful, multifaceted and often uncontrollable response that human beings experience following a personally painful or traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one. 1 ﻿ In other words, grief can affect us not only emotionally but also physically, mentally, and even spiritually. 2 ﻿
The loss of a loved one due to death plunges us unwillingly into a maelstrom of pain that often feels overwhelming and inescapable. During this time, common physical grief responses can include any of the following, individually or concurrently. 3 ﻿
Digestive Problems
Often connected with the disruption to our normal eating habits or routines, the bereaved often experience temporary problems with their digestive systems, such as constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, a "hollow feeling" in the stomach, queasiness, or feeling nauseated. Driving Ability
Sitting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle or riding a motorcycle requires tremendous concentration at all times, but those grappling with grief might experience impairment of these skills, whether realized or not. Such symptoms of impaired motor skills might include an inability to focus or concentrate; slower response time (s) to external stimuli or situations on the road;