In what ways does grief impact our physical wellbeing, and how can we manage it?

Question

Break it down for me please, how does grief affect our physical health, and how can we manage it?

Answer 1

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.  I also lost my previous partner to suicide without a note -- I had to accept the fact that his decision was his alone and that I was a very small twig on a very large bonfire in his mind.

Answer 2

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.

Comments

I am truly sad for your loss, keep him close in your heart.

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How and why did you loose your brother? I am so sorry.

Answer 3

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 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 ✨

Answer 4

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!

Answer 5

I loved this episode. I loved your guest. So inspiring! Such an important subject to discuss.

Answer 6

One of the best episodes - I enjoyed the speaker a lot

Answer 7

I cried through this entire episode.

Answer 8

I am grief right now. Over someone who is not dead. Over a relationship I chose to end and don't regret ending. But I still miss her and love her.

Answer 9

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.

Comments

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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Same. My brain still expects to see the dog chillin' in his crate when I come down the stairs every morning. I'll never forget how soft his ears were, and I'll always be looking for the light on his collar in the darkness when I sit on the back porch at night.

Answer 10

No one tells you how to deal with the loss of your best friends as you get older. Person after person…

I broke up with a guy who has Alzheimer’s. I felt like a traitor. Our whole relationship was nothing but me becoming more and more his nurse not more of his lover… he kept changing so I basically kept losing him… our relationship was too short to survive… so painful

Answer 11

I like forgetting and detaching sometimes certain people SHOULD NOT BE REMEMBERED !!!

Answer 12

My dad died 10 months ago. It’s been insane. We held a celebration of life for him and that party went til late, the way my dad would’ve preferred it I think. We must bolster our faith systems to seek positivity within grief.

Answer 13

Every time I think, "that was, hands down, the best Huberman podcast yet!" you manage to find another amazing guest with such profound and insightful information ❤ Thank you so much for sharing Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor's wisdom and compassion with us.

Comments

Thank you!

Answer 14

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 15

My wife is about to be tested for Huntington’s. We’ve been stuck in a space of potential grief for years. It’s been a journey of learning to accept the impermanence of life - nobody is guaranteed tomorrow, but it’s hard to embrace that idea.

Comments

Thank You for caring for her and loving her as you are doing. Be grateful she is still alive. I can't speak for what to do after a loved one passes. I listen to these scientists who haven't a clue about real grief, or know how to handle the horrors of tumors and convulsions, but write books and talk abundantly about navigating their wonder filled lives.

Answer 16

This is good. My husband died 11 years ago. We hide this normal process away which does not help! The Irish Wakes are sorely missed.
But I have a friend (bereaved) who doesn't want to learn change her state. A type of addiction I'd say.

Answer 17

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

Answer 18

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.

Answer 19

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 ❤

Comments

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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Thanks brother, appreciate it ❤️‍@skippy7208

Answer 20

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