The Physical Effects of Grief

When a loved one dies, the resulting grief may affect the entire body. At Krause Funeral Home, we know how difficult it can be to go about your everyday habits after you’ve experienced a significant loss, especially when you’re feeling the physical effects of grief. These may be particularly troubling if you can’t identify grief as their cause. We encourage our neighbors in Brookfield, New Berlin, and Milwaukee who are grieving a loved one to do their best to take care of their physical health and well-being.

The Physical Symptoms of Grief

Acute grief may increase stress levels in the body and lead to other undesirable outcomes. To help you navigate this difficult period of time, here are some of the common physical effects of grief:

  • A tightness or hollow feeling in the stomach
  • Physical numbness
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Heaviness in the chest and heart area
  • A weakened immune system
  • Body aches and pains
  • Panic attacks
  • Increased heart rate

These are just a few of the many ways that grief may manifest in the body. Should you experience one or more of these symptoms, familiarizing yourself with them may help you identify grief over a loved one’s death as their cause. This may help you more easily address the symptoms you’re experiencing and seek treatment if need be.

Seeking Support for the Physical Symptoms of Grief

If you’ve been experiencing uncomfortable or painful physical symptoms for a while, it may be time to seek professional help. Speaking to your general practitioner or medical doctor is a great starting point. Try to schedule an appointment for a checkup or physical exam with your family doctor. If you already know that grief over a loved one is causing your symptoms, share this information with your specialist.

A Gentle Reminder

We want our neighbors to remember that grief is a cyclical experience that changes over time. The physical side effects that you are feeling will likely alter as well. Grief requires patience, compassion, and a huge amount of self-love. Being gentle with yourself during your grief journey is paramount to seeing personal growth and endurance.

Contact our compassionate staff to learn more about the physical symptoms of grief and be connected with grief support services. We invite those in our community who are struggling with grief to stop by our funeral home to spend time with Bennie, our grief therapy dog. His calming presence may help you feel less alone in your grief.