Losing someone you love is sadly something that will happen to all of us at some point.
However, not everybody experiences grief in the same way, and we can all deal with it differently.
You may be aware of the five common stages of grief that people go through - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance - but many people are unaware of the physical affects that bereavement can have on our bodies.
Scientists have previously discovered that there is a clear connection between feelings of grief and bodily changes, and it can manifest itself in many different ways.
Experts from UK online pharmacy Chemist Click have shared some of the key ways in which the body may respond, and how to combat them.
Increased inflammation
Immune cell function decreases and inflammatory responses rises in people who are grieving. This makes people who are grieving more likely to fall ill during the difficult weeks and months after loss, and can worsen pre-existing health problems.
Those with inflammation may notice pain, stiffness, redness, heat and loss of function which can last for several months to years.
Inflammation can be managed through lifestyle changes such as making time to exercise, avoid foods that may increase inflammation in the body like sugar, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates and introduce foods with anti-inflammatory properties like fatty fish, nuts, spinach and kale.
Joint pain
Aches and pains are a common physical symptom of grief.
Joint pain is caused by high levels of stress hormones being released through the body during the grieving process which can manifest into back pain, joint pain, headaches, and stiffness.
Managing stress levels throughout this time may help to elevate symptoms. It’s important to have small pockets of time for yourself - slow, deep breaths can help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
For immediate joint pain relief try and apply an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. You can combine this with painkillers such as paracetamol, however avoid taking Ibuprofen in the first 48 hours after an injury.
Headaches
Like joint pain, increased levels of cortisol can cause headaches.
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, the small glands which sit upon your two kidneys, when a person experiences stress. Excessive cortisol has been shown to shrink parts of the brain such as the hippocampus , along with triggering migraines.
The extra pressure on time, brain power and resources that can follow on from a bereavement may leave you with little time to yourself. Prioritising rest periods, in a calm, dark room, using a hot or cold compresses to your head or neck and taking over the counter medications such as ibuprofen can help relieve the symptoms of a headache.
Digestive problems
The heartbreak of grief can cause a disruption to normal eating habits or routines. This may lead to constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, a "hollow feeling" in the stomach, queasiness, or feeling nauseated.
Superintendent pharmacist Abbas Kanani, M.R.Pharm.S explained: "It's very common to lose your appetite and eat less when you're grieving, which can in turn make you feel worse - because food gives us energy and helps our brains function properly."
Spicy, and acidic foods can put extra pressure on your digestive system, so avoiding these whilst grieving may help reduce the risk of digestive issues.
Cardiovascular problems
Blood vessels can become constricted disrupting cholesterol-filled plaques that line arteries as blood pressure and heart rate increases in response to overwhelming stress.
This can put the bereaved at risk of blood clots and heart attacks and may also interfere with sexual performance, enjoyment of sexual activities and lead to performance anxiety .
Intense grief can alter the heart muscle so much that it causes "broken heart syndrome," a temporary heart condition that's often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions.
People may struggle with breathing, have chest pain, numbness and feel dizzy or nauseous. The strong emotions that come with grief may trigger people to turn to activities which they could perceive as stress relieving such as smoking or drinking alcohol, but this could bring on cardiovascular problems as both are key risk factors for the condition.
Problems sleeping
Lack of sleep is a common complaint among those who are grieving.
As thoughts are being processed and emotions are heightened, it may take longer to fall asleep. In fact, studies show people struggling with grief are more likely to have middle-of-the-night insomnia (MOTN), where they have difficulty returning to sleep after waking up during the night or very early in the morning.
It can be easy for routines to go out of the window after the death of a loved one, however it is important to keep a regular sleep schedule, establishing a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine. Avoiding stimulants such as coffee in the afternoon and taking part in calming, medication practice in the evening can help keep your sleep schedule on track.
Connecting with others during difficult times may help some, whilst others will need time alone to process a range of emotions. The journey may not be easy, but reaching out, asking for help when you need it and taking care of yourself both mentally and physically can all help you cope with loss.
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