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.
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.
Increased Health Risks Associated with Grief
There is a notable correlation between grief and elevated health risks, particularly concerning heart attacks in bereaved individuals. Statistics reveal that men are nearly twice as likely to experience a heart attack within three months of their spouse's death. Studies suggest that heightened blood pressure during periods of grief may contribute to these increased risks, especially among those who are struggling emotionally. Recognizing this link emphasizes the necessity for healthcare providers to monitor and support individuals during their grieving process.
Grief's Role in Understanding Relationships and Recovery
Grief provides profound insights into our relationships and the ways in which we are supported by our loved ones. The loss of a significant other often reveals how much of our emotional and physical well-being is regulated by those connections. By acknowledging grief's complexities, can help individuals process their emotions and understand the underlying physical responses. Furthermore, cultivating a supportive environment for grieving individuals can facilitate healthier coping mechanisms and ultimately aid in their recovery journey.
We have lots of expressions to describe the pain of loss—heartache, a broken heart, a punch in the gut. These aren’t just figures of speech: While grief is an emotional experience, it’s also a physical one. Studies show that grief can change your physiology, most dramatically in the cardiovascular and immune systems.
One staggering finding? A heart attack is 21 times more likely to happen in the 24 hours after the death of a loved one. And after the death of a parent, risk of ischemic heart disease rises by 41%, and risk of stroke increases by 30%.
Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor has dedicated her career to understanding the physiology behind grief and grieving. She joins Host Flora Lichtman to discuss what she’s learned over the years, and her new book The Grieving Body.
Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.