Research Explains Why The Death Of A Spouse Can Lead To Major Health Problems
Grief can have a profound impact on our physical health. A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people who are grieving the loss of a spouse are at risk of having significantly higher levels of inflammation in their bodies. Inflammation increases your risk of many other health issues, including heart trouble and even premature death (via U.S. News). After analyzing 111 adults who had lost a spouse in the past year, researchers found that those people had a 19% increase in inflammatory biomarkers after experiencing normal stressful situations in their lives.
If you are grieving the death of a spouse, it is important to find healthy ways to cope with your grief. Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you manage your grief in a healthy way (via National Institute on Aging). You can also join a grief support group or find an online support community. Taking care of your physical health is also important. Exercise and eating a nutritious diet can help reduce inflammation in the body and keep you healthier. While the death of a spouse is always going to be a difficult experience, it is important to take care of yourself both emotionally and physically during this time. Grief can have a serious impact on our health, but there are ways to manage it in a healthy way.
How mental health and physical health are related
Grief is not the only thing that can impact your physical health. Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can also lead to physical symptoms. For example, anxiety can cause headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue. Depression can cause fatigue, body aches, and difficulty concentrating (via WebMD). Mental health issues can also make it more difficult to sleep at night, which can lead to physical health problems like exhaustion and a weakened immune system.
Physical health problems can also impact your mental health. Chronic pain or a serious illness can cause depression and anxiety. And the stress of dealing with a chronic condition can make symptoms worse. The good news is that there are things you can do to improve both your mental and physical health. Visiting a therapist or counselor can help you deal with mental health issues, whether you suffer from a mental health condition or just have a lot of stress in your life. Exercising regularly and eating healthy can help with your physical and mental health. If you have a chronic condition, working with a doctor to manage it can help you feel better physically and mentally.