How does grief affect our physical health?

Question

Could someone explain in detail the effects of grief on our physical health and why it causes pain?

Answer 1

I was getting weekly massages after my father passed. I needed touch but my heart was so broken, I didn’t want hugs—I just didn’t have the right people around me to get a pure agape love hug. The massage helped me transmute the pain from my grief into a loving remembrance. By healing my body, I was healing my broken heart.

Answer 2

This has ripped at my heart in a huge and beautiful way.❤Thank you!

Answer 3

Time does not ever heal your children being kidnapped. Never. Nightmares never go away.

Answer 4

I cried through this entire episode.

Answer 5

What a wonderful amount of information on all levels. Thank you!

Answer 6

My little sister died unexpectedly late August, one month later I suffered from foreign object sensation in my eye. 8 months later I am still dealing with eye issues and found out it's my meibomian glands. I went to eye dr yearly all eye health was always fine. We think the stress of her death drove my cortisol levels up so much it affected the oils in my meibomian glands. I'm in misery now and just trying to get off this mgd hamster wheel

Comments

I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister… and so grateful you posted your diagnosis and symptoms. I’ve gone to my doctor multiple times, an optometrist and an ophthalmologist for blurry/foreign object sensation in my eye and they all just tell me to use eye drops, with no success. My eye has been driving me insane for a year after coming on suddenly after a bout of severe stress. Everything visual became harder overnight, like reading. MGD actually sounds like what I could be dealing with.

Answer 7

¡Hola Profe! I am not even going to pretend that I didn't cry throughout the conversation. Time doesn't heal. But every single moment of a miracle called life is a gift. And how and with whom we share this gift and what legacy we will leave is up to us. Thank you for all your hard work and care for all of us.

Answer 8

I love your conversations, regarding grief. You’re helping me out.

Answer 9

It's my podcast and I'll cry if I want to (or not).  I did. What a brilliant human being. Thanks a lot for this.

Answer 10

My daughter died suddenly when I was 39 weeks pregnant with her. The grief is overwhelming and earth shattering and then 2 years later, I lost my beloved cat at 18 years old.
It left me with an inability to connect with anyone.

Answer 11

If I may extend her insights about grief in the context of bereavement to the context of heartbreaks, I feel there are quite some lessons that are antithetical to popular narratives. One, that deep attachment and longing for a partner is a primal instinct and it is not about lack of self-love or fulfilment. Two, that a rebound relationship is not all that bad. It is a subjective experience of dealing with grief. Three, that hangover of an ex-partner while enjoying the company of a new partner isn’t shameful but natural oscillation of mind.

Answer 12

Thank you!  I've been having a hard time grieving my parents. ❤

Answer 13

Please do an episode on Mold Illness and CIRS!

Many people would benefit from this.

Answer 14

I am really grateful!
After the previous episode on loss/grief understanding guided my journey (Dad passed Dec 24)
I remember thinking an episode with Mary Frances would be amazing … and here we are … at exactly the right time
Keep the good work going

Answer 15

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. The quantum field chapter hit me so hard I couldn't sleep. Started applying the frequency techniques and I'm not even joking - within 9 days 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 ✨

Answer 16

I have Dr O'Connor's book "The Grieving Brain" on my bedside chest for many years. It's a must read for everyone.

Answer 17

What an amazing incredible speaker, thank you so much for your service to us I feel so blessed to live in a timeline where we can share this knowledge with each other! <3

Answer 18

Greetings Professor,
This is going to be something enlightening.
Thank you for your hardwork.

Answer 19

Thank you for this Andrew!

Answer 20

This may be a selfish request, but would you consider adding a small note to your document to all of us who love the Huberman Lab and deeply appreciate all the work you’ve done? I don’t think I’m alone in saying that, when the time comes, we will all be grieving your loss.