Beyond the sadness, grief can have an impact on your physical and psychological health.

Grief—a sometimes harsh reality

Grief can be defined as a psychological reaction to the loss of a loved one. The loss of someone close is a heavy burden to carry. It is advisable to let feelings of sadness run their course and to live each step of the grieving process as healthily as possible. Repressed feelings or obstacles to grieving can lead to repercussions that go far beyond simple emotional discomfort.

The consequences on health

Grieving can have an impact on mental health in various ways:

• stress
• fatigue
• sleep problems
• anxiety
• a lack of energy, and
• depression

Some individuals who have a history of mental illness may notice the return of symptoms related to their condition, which previously seemed at bay.

Worsening or recurring chronic health problems are the first to be observed among the physical complications of grief. A typical example of this are cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These conditions may be well controlled before grief occurs, but may worsen suddenly due to stress or if the person who is grieving becomes withdrawn.

Grief can also cause certain health problems, such as:

• increased muscle or joint pain
• digestive problems
• dizziness
• palpitations
• worsening skin problems (psoriasis, eczema)

Some advice for healthier grieving

Although it may seem difficult or superfluous, it is important to take care of yourself during the grieving process. Pay particular attention to these daily activities, which will help you maintain your health:

• Take your medication regularly
• Eat a balanced diet
• Maintain regular sleep hours
• Limit your coffee and tea consumption, especially after 5:00 p.m.
• Exercise regularly
• Treat yourself to a massage
• Practise a relaxation method or meditation
• Limit your tobacco and alcohol consumption

Here are some tips to better deal with this transition period:

• Don't hesitate to verbalize what you are feeling.
• Choose confidents who are attentive and sympathetic to what you are living.
• Read up on grief and the different stages. There are many publications available on the subject.
• Give yourself permission to live all of the inherent emotions related to grief (denial, anger, sadness, etc.).
• Join a support group to exchange with people who understand your reality.
• Speak to a specialist who is able to listen and offer support (psychologist, psychotherapist, doctor, etc.).
• If talking about what you are living is difficult, write it down. You can even write a letter to the person you have lost.

In order to get through grief, it is best to live your emotions and to have solid support. Don't isolate yourself and use the resources available to you. Don't put off seeing a healthcare professional if you believe that grief is affecting your health. Your pharmacist is always available to help and to answer questions if you must take medication.

Although it may seem difficult to imagine, time eases the pain of grieving, especially for people who make a conscious effort to live grief healthily. Sadness progressively fades, making way for happy memories.