Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Grief

Grief can be described as deep sorrow that is felt usually after a negative experience. It is something that everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime. Grief is not limited to the death or loss of a loved one, it can also occur in circumstances that range from your children not meeting your expectations to not being seen. Through the years, scientists and researchers have studied the effects of grief and how the body reacts to this experience. In this article, we will discuss some of the effects grief has on the body and how they show up physically and emotionally. 

According to a peer-reviewed article published in Psycho-Oncology called “Grief Symptoms and Difficult Patient Loss for Oncologists in Response to Patient Death”, researchers in Israel state:

 “The phenomenological experience of grief for oncologists included behavioral, cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms in response to patient death... Cognitive symptoms included self-doubt and rumination … Emotional symptoms included sadness, anxiety, helplessness, guilt, relief, irritability, and loss.”

Rumination is a psychological term that is defined as “engaging in a negative thought process that loops continuously in the mind without end or completion.” According to the OCD & Anxiety Center, it is a co-occurring symptom found in anxiety disorders and depression. In order not to fall into a destructive loop while grieving, give yourself time to acknowledge your feelings. Seek out help from people who love you and if you feel yourself start to fall into a negative loop, just take a moment to let those thoughts pass and let them go. Choose to move forward. 

Have you ever had a tough time grieving and could not sleep or even function properly? These Israeli researchers studied the experience of oncologists who experienced certain symptoms after some of their patients passed away. They state that the “Behavioral symptoms included crying and difficulties sleeping. Physical symptoms included chest pain, fatigue, and general physical discomfort.” Many people believe grieving is just a general feeling of sadness but it is much more than that. These are all different ways that grief can show up in our bodies. Emotional symptoms include being sad, having anxiety, and feeling helpless. There is also guilt, irritability, and relief which are not uncommon emotions when going through the grieving process.   

When grieving, your body goes through many physical and emotional changes. According to the Department of Sociology at the University of Utah in an article called “Grief, Depressive Symptoms, and Physical Health Among Recently Bereaved Spouses.”

Bereavement requires a physical and emotional adjustment, but the psychological trajectory of bereavement may be somewhat universal. Bereavement support ought to include a focus on self-care and health promotion in addition to emotional support, especially because those with poor health initially may be most susceptible to prolonged and intense clinical distress. 

This is precisely why it is important to know that grief can present itself both physically and emotionally. In order to protect yourself from experiencing a destructive pattern when it comes to grieving, you must first understand the cognitive factors that contribute to destructive patterns. 

Throughout the years people have grieved in ways that are truly unique to them. The physical and emotional symptoms you face during your time in grief can look completely different from someone else. Learn to understand your body and your emotions. This will give you a bit of control and help guide you through your grief process.

— Catherine Rosales