Have you or someone you know experienced the loss of a spouse, parent, or child in the past year or so? Despite the perception that grief should be a brief period of sadness after a loss, it rarely is. It isn’t as simple as grieving at a funeral or taking some bereavement days off at work. It’s more than just an emotional response to losing someone; it’s a process that affects us physically, psychologically, behaviorally, spiritually, socially, and culturally. How each of us reacts and mourns is unique, but there are some common physical manifestations that we all experience with loss.
Sleep problems are a common symptom of grief. Grief can keep you from getting the regular sleep your mind and body need. You might have problems falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, or sleeping too much. If you are experiencing this, try winding down slowly before bed, taking a bath or shower, reading a book, doing breathing exercises, praying, meditating, or going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
The immune system is also affected by grief. Grief takes a toll on the body’s ability to fight illness and infection, especially if it goes on for a long time. Inflammation occurs when your immune system responds to something it sees as a threat and tissues in your body swell. It can play a role in heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, and possibly cancer. Studies show the more severe the grief, the more serious the inflammation. To fight this, try to maintain a healthy diet, get rest, and exercise. If you are having a hard time coping with your loss, talk with your healthcare provider about options.
Grieving also causes cortisol, sometimes called the “stress hormone,” to release more than usual into the bloodstream. This is especially true during the first six months. High levels of cortisol over a long period of time can raise your chances of heart disease or high blood pressure.
Experiencing a loss can make you feel like you do not have control over your life. You might be concerned about your financial future, being alone, or losing someone else. Sometimes, you might need to do things you never had to do before. Although some worry after a loss is normal, if it lasts more than a few months or gets in the way of work or home, it may be time to talk to a professional.
Although the emotional toll of grief may also cause you to feel fatigued or drained of energy, stay connected to family and friends! Being with them may be difficult, especially if they are the people you socialized with alongside your loved one, but doing so will give you a sense of connection. If you feel uncomfortable talking with family or friends about your loss, consider joining the grief support group at St. Therese of Lisieux. Our next session starts on Tuesday, Apr. 23, from 1 to 2:30 PM in Overflow 10. If you have any questions, please contact Marilyn Cito, the parish nurse, at 586-254-4433 #320 or Marilync@stol.church.
