Dealing with loss and funeral homes Richland, PA, will never be easy. Many people have a misconception that grief is just a single emotion that accompanies emotional pain and suffering. In reality, it’s multifaceted, powerful, and may inspire intense feelings of anger, guilt, denial, anxiety, and depression that can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health.
Physical symptoms of grief are not discussed often, but the nature of the loss can have serious and far-reaching side effects on your body. Here are some of the symptoms you should be wary of while combating grief.
Insomnia
Insomnia entails sleep problems where the bereaved find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep for the whole night. Over time, these sleeping issues deteriorate the physical health of the mourner and apart from creating bags/circles under the eyes or puffiness in the face, insomnia also makes a person feel too weak and too to carry out the daily tasks.
Most people tend to treat insomnia using medication but any medicines used should come after the doctor’s recommendation as they can be highly addictive.
Weight Gain or Loss
It may sound strange but grieving over longer periods can result in gaining a few pounds or more. Among other things, lack of exercise, overeating, consuming less healthy and more junk food, and avoiding socialization with friends and family may result in adding to the normal weight.
Similarly, many grievers witness loss of weight in a rather quick time, which can have far more health complications than gaining a few pounds. The stress of losing the beloved, arranging a perfect funeral service for them, and the influx of friends and family make it rather impossible to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet.
Also, the feelings of intense grief can develop into a feeling of apathy about one’s own physical being if not taken care of. Research shows that the digestive tract is sensitive to prolonged stress and it’s natural to experience a queasy stomach when anxious.
Heart Problems
Research proves that losing someone suddenly increases the person’s chances of having a heart attack. Grief increases stress and disrupts the blood being pumped to one section of the heart. The person may experience chest pain and shortness of breath.
Even though these symptoms are temporary and reverse themselves after a few days, one should immediately consult a medical practitioner if you experience chest pain, an increase in heart rate, or hypertension over a longer period.
Lowered Immunity
While combating extreme stress, people are prone to catching a cold, flu, and other minor ailments. The effects can be serious for persons already suffering from chronic health issues. This is because grief weakens the immune system of the body, also making it vulnerable to infections.
Body Aches
Grieving over an extended period causes the release of stress hormones in overwhelming amounts and may stun muscle contraction. It’s far too common for the bereaving to experience body aches such as joint pain, back pain, stiffness, and headache.
So, if body aches and pains persist over the long term after the service at funeral homes Richland, PA, immediately consult a doctor.
