How Grief Can Show Up in the Body: The Hidden Signs to Know
Dr. William Beecroft, M.D.
| 3 min read
Dr. William Beecroft, MD, DLFAPA, is the Medical Director Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan Behavioral Health and Behavioral Health strategy and planning. Dr. Beecroft received his M.D. from Michigan State University. He is board certified in general psychiatry with added qualifications in geriatrics and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. He will serve as the Michigan Psychiatric Society President in 2025.
Whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a beloved pet, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job or a missed opportunity, everyone experiences grief at some point in life.
Grief can be complex and is different for everyone, causing deep emotional pain that can last for weeks or months. But grief can also cause physical symptoms. Here is a look at these symptoms, what causes them and when to seek help.
How grief can show up in the body
Grief can manifest in many ways, including physical symptoms such as:
- Physical pain: Chronic pain, muscle tension and headaches are common symptoms of grief, according to Harvard Health.
- Broken heart syndrome: Grief can lead to chest pain, high blood pressure and changes in heart rhythm, per the American Heart Association. Those who experience chest pain or shortness of breath should seek medical attention as these may also be symptoms of a heart attack.
- Loss of appetite: Grief can suppress the appetite.
- Digestive difficulties: Like loss of appetite, stress can lead to trouble with digestion.
- Trouble sleeping: Those in grief may experience insomnia or want to sleep too much.
- Weakened immune system: Going through grief can make an individual more vulnerable to illness.
Grief is a form of stress, which puts people into a “fight-or-flight” response and increases the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In the short term, this response aids people in dealing with difficult moments. But if the stress is ongoing and overworks the nervous system, grief can cause the above symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
When to talk to a healthcare provider about grief
Grief is different for everyone; some people may learn to live with it while others may deal with symptoms for months or years. About 7% to 10% of grieving people may experience progressive grief disorder, an intense or pervasive response to a loss that lasts for at least 12 months, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
Those who have trouble functioning on a day-to-day basis for several weeks, turn to substance use to deal with the pain or experience suicidal thoughts could talk to their primary care provider or seek help from a mental health professional. There are also grief counselors who specialize in this care and can validate and help those going through bereavement. Professional support can offer grieving individuals understand their emotions and feel the emotions rather than dismiss or repress them. Additionally, professionals can also offer coping strategies based on an individual's needs.
It’s important to remember many of the symptoms of grief can also be signs of depression, which may not go away without healthcare.
In addition to counseling, keeping a healthy lifestyle can help support well-being through grief:
- Stay engaged in supportive relationships with loved ones and seek community.
- Eat a diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein.
- Exercise regularly, especially walking, Tai Chi or yoga.
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
- Keep a routine, which can make it a little easier for an individual to take care of themselves.
- Keep up with annual physicals and recommended health screenings.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members can learn more about mental health care or seek help at bcbsm.com/mentalhealth. For immediate mental health care or a substance use crisis, visit Blue Cross’ Crisis Care Support directory at this link. These resources can help individuals find the best fitting, immediate care close to them.
Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm could also call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text National Alliance of Mental Illness to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Dr. William Beecroft is the medical director of behavioral health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information, visit MIBlueDaily.com.
Photo credit: Getty Images
