The Next Big Idea Daily Can the Stress of Loss Be an Opportunity for Healing?
Mar 5, 2025
Mary-Frances O’Connor, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, dives into the profound connection between grief and our physical health. She highlights how loss can alter vital health markers like blood pressure and heart rate, showcasing the body's response to emotional turmoil. O'Connor emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions during mourning and explores effective coping strategies. Ultimately, she reveals how the stress of loss can also present opportunities for healing, helping us navigate our grief with a deeper understanding.
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Grief's Physical Impact
- Grief is a natural bodily response to loss, not a disease, but it carries increased medical risks.
- Bereaved individuals experience elevated blood pressure, heart rate, inflammation, and cortisol levels.
Medical Checkups During Bereavement
- Prioritize your physical health during bereavement by scheduling regular medical checkups.
- Address potential issues like hypertension, gum disease, and weakened immunity.
Protest and Despair
- Protest and despair are common physical and emotional responses to loss, not just death.
- These responses, characterized by agitation and withdrawal, affect the body's energy.
