Grief is not just an emotional experience; it is a full-body response. The impact goes far beyond sadness when we lose someone or something deeply significant. Grief affects our brains, nervous systems, and physical health. Understanding the science behind grief and its effects on the body can help validate how we feel and encourage us to approach healing with greater care.
One of the most immediate effects of grief is on the brain. The amygdala is part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, this becomes hyperactive during grief. This heightened state can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response. While this response is helpful in short bursts, prolonged exposure to these hormones can take a toll on both mental and physical health.
Stress hormones directly impact the nervous system. Many people describe feeling overwhelmed, on edge, or emotionally “raw” when grieving. This heightened state of alertness can make it difficult to relax, sleep, or concentrate. Over time, this nervous system strain can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues.
Grief also affects the heart, and not just metaphorically. There is a real condition called “broken heart syndrome” or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, where intense emotional stress causes the heart’s muscles to weaken temporarily. This can stem from emotional stressors such as bereavement, divorce, or job loss and occurs more commonly in postmenopausal women. This can mimic heart attack symptoms, highlighting just how interconnected our emotions and physical health are.
Another area where grief leaves its mark is the immune system. Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can suppress immune function, making the body more susceptible to illnesses. This might explain why many people experience frequent colds or other health issues in the months following a loss. The body is simply trying to cope with an overwhelming emotional burden, leaving fewer resources to fight off infections.
Sleep is another aspect often disrupted by grief. The stress hormones released during the grieving process can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycles, making it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sleep deprivation, in turn, can exacerbate feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability, creating a vicious cycle.
Grief even affects appetite and energy levels. Some people struggle to eat due to loss of appetite, while others turn to food for comfort. Both responses are tied to the brain’s reward and stress systems, which can become dysregulated during grief. Similarly, feelings of exhaustion or physical heaviness are common as the body conserves energy to manage emotional distress.
What all of this tells us is that grief is not something you can simply “think your way out of.” It is a whole-body experience, and healing requires a whole-body approach. This might include movement to release built-up tension, nourishing food to support immune function, and practices like mindfulness or breathwork to calm the nervous system.
Grief is a natural response to loss, and while it can feel overwhelming, understanding its effects on the body can help us make sense of what we are going through. The physical symptoms of grief are not signs of weakness or failure—they are signs of your body trying to adapt to a profound change. By recognizing and getting the right support for these processes, we can take steps toward healing, one small moment at a time.