The process of grieving and bereavement can take an enormous toll on your physical and mental well-being. If you've recently suffered a loss, whether it is from the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship, you may be feeling a multitude of symptoms that can leave you feeling exhausted, mentally worn out and even physically ill.
Fatigue
It's completely normal to feel extremely tired and fatigued when you're grieving. According to the BBC, the loss sets off a strong stress response in your body. The increase in steroid production coupled with your magnified feelings of nervous system awareness takes a huge toll on your central nervous system. You may feel tired but be unable to sleep or you may be sleeping all the time. In "The Grief Assessment and Intervention Workbook: A Strengths Perspective" Dr. Elizabeth Pomeroy, MSW, and Renée Bradford Garcia, MSW, point out that grief is usually a temporary state. You should not be alarmed by your body's reaction. If you have severe difficulties with sleep, you might want to talk about it with your physician.
Psychological Problems
Anxiety and depression are normal parts of the grief process. According to the BBC, anxiety and depression can cause sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, sweating and a racing heart. You may find it difficult to concentrate on even the most mundane tasks, such as cleaning or preparing meals. You may experience hallucinations in which you see your loved one in your house or in other familiar places. Rest assured that these are usually temporary symptoms that should pass with time. If you are suffering from prolonged feelings of depression or anxiety, it might be helpful to consult a counselor to help work through your feelings. The counselor can also work with you to determine if there is a psychological disorder or if you are just going through the normal stages of grief.
Decreased Immunity
Another common symptom of the grief process is a decreased immune response. According to Pomeroy and Garcia, your immune system may be compromised during bereavement. They point out that the immune system can potentially be heavily impacted while you grieve, causing illness or bodily aches and pains. You may be getting colds more frequently or you may experience an increase in backaches and headaches. Although the chances are high that your symptoms are related to grief, you should always rule out the possibility of physical illness by speaking to your physician.
References
- BBC: Health: The Physical Effects of Bereavement
- "The Grief Assessment and Intervention Workbook: A Strengths Perspective"; Elizabeth Pomeroy, MSW, PhD and Renée Bradford Garcia, MSW; 2008
