The Library
ExplainerGriefMental health1 minute read
Grief and your body
Tired, aching, sick, unable to eat. Grief is physical.
Grief does not stay in the mind. It shows up in the body.
Common physical effects
- Exhaustion, even after sleep
- Tight chest or aching
- Loss of appetite, or eating too much
- Getting ill more often
- Trouble concentrating and remembering
Looking after your body
- Eat small amounts regularly, even when you are not hungry
- Drink water
- Keep a regular wake up time
- Walk every day if you can
- Go easy on alcohol. It often makes low mood worse
See a doctor if
- You have chest pain or other worrying symptoms
- You cannot sleep for weeks
- You have stopped eating
- You feel you cannot go on
Grief takes a real toll. Treat it with the care you would give any other heavy strain.
