Grief can weaken the immune system, causing health issues

Grief affects many aspects of life, often in unexpected ways. When someone loses a loved one, it’s not just emotional pain they face; there are also many tasks and feelings that can feel overwhelming. The experience of grief can change from day to day. One moment, a person may feel they are improving, and the next, a small reminder can bring back strong feelings of loss. Bianca Neumann, a grief expert at Sue Ryder, explains that grief can cause physical symptoms that are often overlooked. She notes that stress from managing financial issues and reminders of the loss can make it harder to process grief. Stress can have a serious impact on both mental and physical health. According to the Mental Health Foundation, stress is linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can also lead to physical problems, including heart disease and sleep disorders. Dr. George Slavich from UCLA Health highlights that grief can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to illnesses. This lowered immunity can cause ongoing inflammation and lead to feelings of fatigue and social withdrawal. Many people feel isolated in their grief. Sue Ryder reports that 88% of individuals believe they are alone in their experience. The charity offers various online support services for those dealing with grief. They encourage anyone in need to seek help through their resources.