The physical side of grief

The physical side of grief is something that is not often spoken about or understood.

Grief is a powerful experience which can cause emotional and physical distress. When we experience grief, we can suffer emotional stress, which manifests in physical symptoms and pain. This can be from skin eruptions and constipation, through to chest pain and migraines. These physical ailments can be minor through to debilitating. This is especially true for children who have a more innate reaction to grief.

Often people don't make the connection between experiencing intense emotional distress and the impact on the body. That mind body connection can be very strong but often over-looked. People don't realise that emotional experiences can be stored in the body and cause us physical pain.

Physical symptoms may not appear immediately after grief, which is why the connection is ignored or not understood. Whenever physical symptoms appear after bereavement, they need to be checked out medically. Once someone has been assured that nothing is happening physically, then it is time to explore the psychological impact. Visiting a counsellor can help to talk through the grief, which in turn will help to alleviate the physical symptoms.

If you know someone, or you yourself are experiencing physical symptoms after a bereavement, seek help yourself and encourage other to do the same. Often unpacking grief with a counsellor works better than medication.

Please contact us for an appointment if you feel support is needed.

Grief can cause emotional and physical distress

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