How does grief affect our physical health?

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It shows up in many ways like stress, not eating or over eating, chronic pain, and digestive disorders which in turn decrease mental performance. Whether your brain is releasing cortisol and adrenaline, stress will show up.
What do “chronic stress-induced” wrist pain, tension headaches, and shoulder soreness symptoms have in common? Grief.
People vacillate between positive and demeaning thoughts, sympathizing with themselves, and simultaneously judging the merit of self-indulgence. Multilevel internal conflict takes place beyond our conscious control, making it impossible to reason.
No less debilitating is the devastation inflicted when you grieve who you’ve lost. It is impossible to escape the void left by abandonment. It is quite affordable, however intensely sorrowful at times, to neglect thinking about it, which disallows altering perception and belief disallowing positive change.
Rhonda McIntosh gives quite an accessible overview of the effects of pain on mental performance even though her focus is more on injury. It’s more accurate to say that an injury combined with psychological pain renders a brain and body unconscious, motionless.
Physically, emotional pain manifests in ways identifiable by diverging from self-imposed perception of control. The more steered, the more constrained will become thoughts. An aching reality forces people to realize unshakable relationships cannot be escaped, yet reality reveals otherwise.
Take this theoretical little body, trying to escape a suffocating zone of control. Primary paradox emerges when distress intention faces sense of address, resulting in chasing invisible challenge.
Walls become confines in which approaches can guide perception, leaving a person with a portion of blank canvas they wish becoming. Discrepancy iseffects what keeps outside of undeniable natural limitations, discovery in self-imposed constraints.
Vented emotions offer make or break types of freedom ever born. Breathing created Meyer’s shift illustration instantaneously fills spaces thought closure. A majestic flight when envelop when closing their compactable envelope fails thrust. So inflating wings allows external restrictions, draws thinner than thicker boundaries.
What creates those inflating wings vent guides freeing comfort and restoring joy energizing lack of hope needed while turning white-blue-black inside, flailing in people, pointless clothes. Empowering to believe there yet.
Possibility invites creating and gives pleasure transform into blank overflowing, like denying nurture results in inching to and freeze battling thinking into.
Forming is reaching solutions braided whose flows energize living people, urge means destination guide conditional meeting forth.
Using capeclothes undermines multiplicity harvesting mind until achieving envisioning motions implies safeguarding unfurling.

100 Answers

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by (284k points)
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please express your interest.
Thank you for your interest in science!   -- Andrew
by (100 points)
Thank you <3 My dog died in February, he was 17, we were one for 11 years, always playing outside, for hours. I did not really have parents or family, my best friend died when I was 14, a lot of abuse in my house. Loss, grief, and celebrating what there was and is, it is such an important, impactful subject. I have been frozen since February, it's summer, I know, but I just can't leave the house for long. I am going to listen to this episode. Love to all beings, culture and nature, in here and out there.
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❤❤❤
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Comment ❤❤
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He used to have Blond Hair. His beef jerky and sponges have been delivered to Stanford.  Love, Elizabeth.
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WAIT. DID YOU WANT TO KILL WHITNEY BC YOU THOUGHT SCHULZ AND HER DATED AND HAD SEX? WERE YOU MORE IN LOVE WITH SCHULZ? I NEED FACTS.
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YEAH. I TRIED TO SEE HUBERMAN WITH COMPASSION AND LOVE BUT I DESPISE HIM AS MUCH AS I DESPISE ANDREW SCHULZ AND CHRIS DISTEFANO.
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THANK YOU FOR THE GUESTS WHO ARE SHOWING SUPPORT FOR WHITNEY AND ME. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.
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ERASE? PAY ME. NOT BLACKMAIL. MY VOICE MATTERS MORE THAN YOURS HUBERMAN, ANDREW.
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by (284k points)
I am living proof you can suffer heart issues after major loss. Hence the term: broken heart. Within a few months time I lost both parents and a sibling, 3 funerals in a short period, lost a beloved 15 year old pet, a best friend and at the peak of my business, had to walk away because I could barely catch my breath. Ended up in ER four times due to heart palpitations. Turns out my broken heart and grief overwhelmed my nervous system. I went on small dosage heart RX and sought counsel from a wise 85 yr old therapist to process the 5 stages of grief. I’m doing great now. Thank you for this very important topic.
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And it’s been now revealed 5 stages are not linear and come in waves
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therapy was well and thorough, one can pass through those waves very smoothly.
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Jenny Florence, Accredited Councellor 26 Yrs Going Through her Own Immense Immediate Family Incredible Loss and Shock. Wrote a Book about Emotions and Wellness ... Mindfulness meets Awareness...and a Huge Career..Or More...Purpose Change Life. To help Process and Understanding ❤️❤️❤️
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Glad you are doing well !
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What does 'RX' mean? This is not a standard abbreviation here in the UK. Kind thank you.
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means prescription medication.
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The medical term for a broken heart is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
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Aaaaw sending you the BIGGEST hug ❤ I’m so sorry you had to go through all that, heartbreaking literally, but happy to hear you are better. I am with you on the nervous system and healing the heart, I had similar experience healing mine as my intuition said if I just heal my mind and nervous system I will be fine. Still alive despite what I was told. All the best from the French alps ❄️
by (100 points)
is a Latin abbreviation for a prescription. Pretty much used in modern day as a doctors prescribed medication
0 votes
by (284k points)
Going through the hardest breakup of my life. This is what I needed
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Hang in there. Andrew's single content on Grief also helps. He also mentions Mary-Frances there. I'm looking forward to reading this one as well.
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Hi, I see and hear you. Break ups really suck. I hope you find comfort soon.
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Break ups? My wife lost her breast, lost her hair, and suffered for years with cancer until she died. If you are young, and going thru a break up, try again! What does someone do after caring for a loved one for years in terror? Try again?!?
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Grief comes in many forms. Try pausing before reacting to someone else's pain when it doesn't meet your own. I wish you solace in your loss.
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hoped to provide the break up ppl with some perspective. …and that’s I never wished myself dead or heart attack after a “break up”. Thanks for your input, and ideas as to finding solace, I’m open? So far, she is saying grief is natural? Others say love is our nature? Which is it?
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like my first reply to was deleted. Like this woman, and Andrew, no real ppl, real advice, only yall really happy and excited about grieving.
by (100 points)
It is hard to leave and even harder to be left. Regardless, I have been there many times in my 50+ years of life on both sides of the coin.
What has helped me is having a dog to co-regulate your heart and getting a couple of new sets of sheets to lessen the scent of the other.
Take good care of yourself. Love will come again.
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, you try again. Condolences to you and yours.
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a dog and trying again is what they all say. You ever try to paint something pretty with only black colors?
0 votes
by (284k points)
Grief is just love with nowhere to go. If you're here reading, you're not alone. Sending love to anyone hurting today ❤️
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Thank you, I am taking all of it very hard.
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by (284k points)
Dr. O'Connor's explanation of grief as a natural process tied to love and attachment really resonated with me. Grieving isn't something to fix—it's something to understand and live through. Thank you both for sharing these insights with such compassion and clarity.
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by (284k points)
I wrote my first novel, "A Broken Hallelujah" to deal with my own grief and to explore how many types of grief affect our choices and life's trajectory. As my brother just passed last week, I am using that as a guide on how to move through it.
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I am truly sad for your loss, keep him close in your heart.
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by (284k points)
My father passed away last year, and 3 days ago I lost my dog, who meant the world to me. Thank you Dr. Huberman, for everything that you do.
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by (284k points)
Not much one can do but wake up again and again, and try over and over, to find that once known peace.
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by (284k points)
Thank you for posting this very important topic, Andrew.
O'Connor's book "The Grieving Brain" helped me immensely in understanding my process after the loss of my spouse. Grief is a continuous journey that has no end, but you do get better at navigating the course. Understanding how it affects you physically and neurologically offers you the grace you need to move onward with hope.
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by (284k points)
I took care of my husband (who had end stage lung disease)for 4 yrs and lost him in my arms at home last May. It was the death he wanted and we got to say all we needed to. That said, one year later I continue to be LOST.  My children are grown, and his side of our family is grieving, so I find myself slowly deteriorating as I compartmentalize my grief.
I had no idea how traumatic it would be to turn off his breathing equipment and see his limbs turn purple as he died.  I am an Occupational therapist by trade, so I’m so grateful I was able to care for him, but I sure have no desire to go back to healthcare. Now that I’m on a fixed income I mostly live in sadness and fear.
Thank you for this podcast.
by (100 points)
Thank You so much for the love and support for late husband. Thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made. Others will tell u to get a dog, or try again at love, but they don’t full understand what is happening. My profession was not health care, yet cared for my wife who also suffered a lot. The coldness of the hands when they pass away, the terror and horror we have experienced, I don’t know who can help with this? While Andrew and Mary were writing books, we were holding hands. I’ve tried to move forward, and ya get more pain.
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by (284k points)
I’m red eye crying because both are describing just what I’m feeling. I had a dream about my dad approving of a big purchase. And I have not been able to shake the feeling of his loss even after sharing with my siblings.
This content definitely helps me understand the loss process.
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by (284k points)
My grandmother passed this morning and I’m struggling. Perfect timing, thank you
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Sincerest condolences. I will be thinking of you.
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Condolences to you
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by (284k points)
Dr. O'Connor has a brilliant mind, such deep empathy, and a passion for this very sensitive topic. It was an honor to listen to her, learn from her, and to understand the complexities of the grieving process. Thank you Dr. Huberman for always bringing the best of the best to your podcast. As a psychologist myself, I appreciate all the "continuing education" I can get...just wish I got credit for it:)
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by (284k points)
guys I'm literally crying rn... was about to end it all last month after losing everything (job, relationship, savings). Found a book Manifest and Receive by Eva Hartley the same day through a big podcast. The quantum field chapter hit me so hard I couldn't sleep. Started applying the frequency techniques and I'm not even joking - within a short period my ex reached out, got offered my dream job (150k+), and my anxiety completely disappeared. I never share personal stuff but I'd feel guilty keeping this secret when so many are struggling. The way Selene explains manifestation through quantum physics is EVERYTHING. If you're reading this, it's a sign from the universe. Trust me, understanding the science will change your entire reality. I'm living proof ✨
0 votes
by (284k points)
I am learning how to live with the loss of my beautiful Frida, my soul-dog, my best friend ever. When I spontaneously start looking for her and then realize she is not here, I find her inside my heart.
by (100 points)
I totally understand, I feel the same with my loss of my pets, being parrots, especially those that became ill and even with veterinarian intervention I couldn't save them... accept keep them cuddled with me until the end. Most people understand the grief of a dog or cat, but don't understand how precious birds are as well. I wish you the best in healing.
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by (284k points)
I have lost both parents. My dad suddenly of an aneurysm 22 years ago. My mother 2 years ago to an adverse reaction to an RX—so a few months, but nothing like cancer or dementia where there’s extended planning/preparation time like with her siblings. For me, the sudden was worse. But there could be a few other factors like I was only 33, I am a daddy’s girl, and he was my first parent to go. Thank you for this episode!
0 votes
by (284k points)
This would have been helpful to me a decade ago. When I finally had a minute to grieve the loss of my marriage and dream, I became completely unhinged and unrecognizable as I sought dopamine through unhealthy situations. Glad it's being talked about.
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by (284k points)
Thank you for bringing up such a profound topic! What a coincidence just today, I came across this piercing passage from Rilke about sorrow and transformation. It felt so relevant to this content, I had to share: "You have had many great sorrows, which have passed. And you say that this their passing, too, was difficult and discordant for you. But I beg you to consider whether these griefs have not rather gone right through you? Whether there has not been much change within you, whether, while you were sad, you did not alter in some point or other of your being? Only those sorrows are dangerous and bad which one carries with one to the company of other men in order to drown them. Like illnesses, which are superficially and badly treated, they only retreat into the background and break out again after a short interval worse than ever. They collect in one’s innermost being and are life, unlived, rejected, lost life of which one can die. If it were possible for us to see a little further than our knowledge can reach, to see out a little farther over the outworks of our surmising, we should perhaps bear our griefs with greater confidence than our joys. For they are the moments when something new, something unknown enters into us. Our feelings are dumb with embarrassed shyness and everything in us retreats into the background. A stillness grows up, and the new thing, that nobody knows, stands in the middle of it and is silent" ..

It’s wild how the right words find us exactly when we need them. Thank you for creating space for reflections ♥
by (100 points)
Thank you very much for this ❤
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I went to look up the full passage, it's Rilke's Letter 8. What an amazing letter, so much to offer for those of us in grief. Reading it has given me more support than I can express, I feel grateful to read it today.
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by (284k points)
I am happy to have known everyone of the connections to my loved / beloved & am blessed beyond all expression of their individual selves, & say I remember each one of you & appreciation of you all being a part of my life/ me to carry you with me onward to become a continuously better version of me because of all of you.
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by (284k points)
Going through an incredibly tough time after a divorce, health and financial issues and tragic loss of a friend in 6 months. I'm a skater from Sydney from back in the 90's and ended up moving into medical technology.
I just wanted to say thanks, Andrew, for getting me through another lonely week, mate. You give a lot of us sad souls a bit of hope, and with practical protocols I can do, even in this dark place is everything right now.
I don't think I'd be alive this month if it wasn't for your podcast brother. Keep up the good work ❤
by (100 points)
Hi Ken sounds like you’ve had a nightmare time lately and I’m so sorry for your losses and troubles. Hang in there, things will get better in time. Just wanted to say hi from the UK
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