In what ways does grief impact our health? How can we care for a body in grief?

Question

It seems that I have come across ideas stating that one can experience serious health risks from grieving. Would you walk me through how exactly does grief affect one’s physical health and what can be done to aid the body in such situations?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

This is an extraordinary conversation. I have been in this field of grief for many decades both with my practice, my groups and in my own personal life. The depth and scope that Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor brings to this discussion of grief and loss has touched me deeply. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a thoughtful and thorough and a wonderful presenter and interviewer, too. Thank you. I am passing this conversation on to those who need you - which is many. Kindly, Mary Jane Hurley Brant

Answer 4

I lost my 11 year old daughter in 2013. The point at which she was gone longer than she was here has been a hard thing to sit with. It seemed like just yesterday that she passed but that her life was so long and full. How can that be? I live in beautiful San Diego and her death was on June 19th and it also feels terrible that the sun shines on that day even though it’s always shining here anyways. I have found that I sit alone in my grief mostly because I know others have loss and I don’t want anyone to feel like theirs isn’t important if I’m outwardly crying about my own. So much to unpack, I know. Thank you for doing an episode on this topic. I’m having to digest it in small doses but will get through it all. Much love to you and keeping science real. ❤

Comments

So sorry for your loss, I can't even imagine the pain you must have felt. I have lost so many family and friends, some very young, and it is always hard. I know they wouldn't want me to grieve forever and move on, hope u can too.

Answer 5

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 6

I am reading this for the second time today. Grief and despair - the path towards understanding the nature of reality. I'm on month 6.

One day at a time

Answer 7

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 8

My father passed away last year, and recently I lost my dog, who meant the world to me. Thank you Dr. Huberman, for everything that you do.

Answer 9

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 content!

Comments

Any lost life for any reason can be hard to take its someone you've loved and looked up to I feel your pain, but remember they wouldn't want you to not live and enjoy your life.

Answer 10

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 11

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 12

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

Answer 13

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 14

I started a widow's group after losing my husband five years ago. I concur with everything said here. To understand the language of loss and be understood is invaluable. We normalized the rollercoaster of emotions for each other. And now, we embrace a resilient life through that support system. Thank you for this essential episode.

Answer 15

My lovely mother passed away unexpectedly in her sleep May 5, 2025. Im looking forward to listening to this timely content.

Answer 16

Thank you Dr. Huberman, team, sponsors and supporters. ☀️ THANK YOU DR. MARY-FRANCES O’CONNOR.

Answer 17

I cried through this entire episode.

Answer 18

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 ❤️​

Answer 19

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

Answer 20

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