Science Friday
What Happens To Your Body When You’re Grieving
Feb 20, 2025
Mary-Frances O'Connor, a clinical psychology and psychiatry professor at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Body, reveals how grief profoundly impacts both mind and body. She discusses the startling statistics showing heightened risks of heart attack and stroke following the loss of a loved one. O'Connor emphasizes the link between emotional pain and physical health, explaining how grief can lead to increased inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system. She advocates for understanding grief as a natural process requiring self-compassion.
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Quick takeaways
- Grief has profound physiological effects, notably increasing heart attack risks and altering blood pressure and heart rate in bereaved individuals.
- The emotional challenges of grief highlight the importance of relationships and supportive environments for healthier coping and recovery.
Deep dives
The Physiological Impact of Grief
Grief affects not just the mind but also the body, leading to significant physiological changes. Research indicates that during the initial months of bereavement, individuals experience an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This physiological response validates the prevalent sensation among grievers that their grief manifest physically, often felt as heartache or tightness in the throat. Understanding this connection underscores the importance of addressing both the emotional and physical dimensions of grief during this challenging time.
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