What Are The Physical Symptoms of Grief?

Last Updated on 2 months ago by Donna Novak, Psy.D.

Grief is often thought of as solely an emotional experience, but it also manifests physically, sometimes in ways that can be quite surprising. If you’re going through the loss of a loved one, you might find yourself experiencing unexplained physical symptoms and wondering if they’re connected to this difficult time in your life. The short answer is yes, they very likely are. The physical symptoms of grief are real, they’re common, and they deserve just as much attention as the emotional ones.

As the founder of a therapy practice in Simi Valley, we offer grief counseling because we know how disorienting it can be to experience both the emotional and physical weight of loss at the same time. 

You may be wondering if what you’re feeling is “normal” or if it’s something to be concerned about. Keep reading to learn more about how grief can show up in the body, and what you can do about it.

10 Common Physical Symptoms of Grief

Grief affects each person differently, and the physical symptoms can vary tremendously. Some might be expected, while others can catch you completely off guard. Below are some of the most common physical symptoms of grief.

1. Fatigue and Exhaustion

Fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a deep exhaustion that can make even simple tasks feel impossible. Getting out of bed in the morning can feel like too much, and concentrating at work or during daily activities becomes a real challenge. This fatigue stems from the emotional toll of grief, which is far more physically demanding than most people realize.

Other physical symptoms of fatigue include frequent yawning, a heavy feeling throughout your body, headaches, and muscle weakness. You may also find yourself more irritable because you’re too depleted to manage stress the way you normally would.

2. Changes in Appetite and Weight

If you’ve lost interest in food, you might skip meals or eat smaller portions, resulting in weight loss and low energy. On the other hand, some people find comfort in food and end up overeating, leading to weight gain.

Beyond weight changes, disrupted eating habits can lead to other physical symptoms like indigestion, bloating, or malnutrition. If your diet is affected, you may also notice changes in your mood or energy levels, since your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to function properly.

3. Aches and Pains

Many people are unaware that physical pain is a common experience during grief. It can show up as headaches, back pain, joint pain, or general body aches. These symptoms are often the result of tension in the body, which is a natural response to emotional stress. Understanding that these aches and pains may be linked to your grief can help you address them more effectively when speaking with a doctor.

“Grief takes a toll on the body and mind, so it’s essential to be gentle with yourself. Allow yourself to move at your own pace and prioritize self-care as you navigate this challenging journey.” — Dr. Donna Novak, Founder of Simi Psychological Group

4. Issues with Sleep

Have you been finding it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling unrefreshed? Insomnia is common during grief, as are frequent nighttime awakenings and nightmares related to your loss. These sleep disturbances leave you exhausted and irritable, further complicating your ability to cope with everything else.

If you’re not sleeping well, it’s important to address it. Poor sleep makes it even harder to manage the emotional aspects of grief and can worsen other physical symptoms.

5. Digestive Issues

The stress and anxiety that come with grief can have a significant impact on your digestive system, showing up as nausea, stomach cramps, constipation, or diarrhea. These symptoms are linked to the gut’s sensitivity to stress; the digestive system is closely connected to your emotional state, which is why so many people experience stomach issues during periods of intense grief.

6. Lowered Immunity

Grief can take a big toll on your immune system, making you more prone to colds, flu, or infections. This is partly due to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which suppress immune function over time. If you find yourself getting sick more often than usual, it could be a sign that your body is struggling to cope with the emotional stress that accompanies loss.

7. Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain

Shortness of breath or a tight feeling in your chest can be a real and regular symptom of grief. This is usually the result of anxiety, which tends to run high during periods of intense emotional stress. While these sensations are typically benign, they can be alarming, especially if you haven’t connected them to your grief. If these symptoms persist or feel severe, always seek medical advice to rule out other causes.

8. Can Grief Cause Heart Palpitations? Yes.

Yes, grief can absolutely cause heart palpitations. The feeling that your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats is often linked to the body’s fight-or-flight response, which gets triggered by intense emotional stress. When you’re grieving, your nervous system is working overtime, and that activation can show up as a pounding or irregular heartbeat.

While heart palpitations during grief are usually harmless, they can feel unsettling, especially if they happen frequently. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, gentle movement, or working with a therapist can help reduce how often they occur. If they persist or are accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying cardiac issues.

9. Can Grief Cause Dizziness? Yes

Grief can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, and it’s more common than most people expect. These symptoms can result from hyperventilation due to anxiety, dehydration from crying or not drinking enough water, poor nutrition, or simply the physical exhaustion that comes with sustained emotional stress. Your body is carrying an enormous amount during grief, and dizziness is one of the ways it signals that it’s overwhelmed.

If you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded, take care of your physical health by staying hydrated, eating regular meals, and getting as much rest as you can. If dizziness is frequent or severe, speak with your doctor to rule out other causes.

10. Grief Rash and Skin Reactions

Can grief cause hives or a rash? Yes, it can. The stress and emotional strain of grief can trigger skin reactions including rashes, breakouts, or hives. This is a result of the body’s inflammatory response to stress, which can show up on the skin in unexpected ways. Grief rash is a real phenomenon, and it can be distressing to experience on top of everything else you’re already managing.

If you notice skin reactions during your grieving process, know that they are likely connected to the stress your body is under. Being gentle with yourself and addressing the underlying grief, rather than just the skin symptoms, is often the most effective approach.

Understanding the Impact of Grief

These physical symptoms can feel overwhelming, especially when combined with the emotional pain of loss. It’s important to acknowledge that what you’re experiencing is a normal response to a not-so-normal event. Your body is reacting to the intense emotions that grief brings, and those reactions show up in very real physical ways.

The loss of a loved one can be a deeply traumatic experience, and self-care is just as important during this time as anything else. 

How to Cope with the Physical Symptoms of Grief

If you’re facing the physical symptoms of grief, it’s essential to take steps to care for both your mind and body. Here are a few strategies that can help:

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Even if your appetite is low, try to eat regular meals and drink plenty of water to keep your body nourished. Your body needs fuel to process what you’re going through emotionally.

Engage in Gentle Exercise

Physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, can help reduce tension and improve your overall well-being. Movement gives your body a healthy outlet for the stress it’s carrying.

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Therapy and grief counseling provide a safe space to explore your emotions and learn how to manage the physical effects of grief. If you’re unsure whether grief counseling or grief therapy is the right fit for you, our blog on grief counseling vs. grief therapy explained breaks down the difference clearly.

Can Grief Also Cause Anxiety and Depression?

Aside from the physical symptoms, grief can also cause anxiety and depression.

Grief and anxiety often go hand in hand. The uncertainty of life after a significant loss, worrying about the future, and the physical hyperarousal that comes with emotional pain can all trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. You may find yourself feeling on edge, struggling to concentrate, experiencing racing thoughts, or feeling a sense of dread that’s hard to shake.

Depression is also a common companion to grief. Feeling persistently low, withdrawing from people and activities you used to enjoy, losing motivation, or feeling emotionally numb are all ways that grief and depression can overlap. It’s important to note that while grief and depression share similarities, they are not the same thing, and one can intensify the other.

If anxiety or depression is showing up alongside your grief, that’s a signal that you need more than time alone to heal. Working with a therapist who understands grief can make a meaningful difference in how you move through this. Our blog on what not to do when you’re grieving offers some helpful guidance on the patterns that can make anxiety and depression worse during this time.

We’re Here to Help You Through This

Grief is a complex and multifaceted experience that impacts far more than just your emotions. The physical symptoms can be just as challenging to navigate, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Simi Psychological Group, our grief counseling in Simi Valley is designed to support you through every layer of this experience. Our therapists understand the profound impact of grief on both the mind and body, and we’re here to help you through every step of the healing process. Contact us today or give us a call at (805) 842-1994 to learn more about our services and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.