Grief is a feeling of profound sadness caused by significant loss. It can be felt from the loss of anyone or anything significant, including a friend, loved one, job, romantic relationship, or a pet. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed over 1.1 million American lives, has brought grief into sharper focus for many of us. As a result, more Americans than ever are seeking mental health support related to grief. But grief isn’t just an emotion; it often affects us physically too. Over the past two decades, scientists have made significant progress in understanding how grief can impact our bodies. 

Broken Heart Syndrome 

Anyone who’s been through a significant loss may not be surprised to learn that “broken heart syndrome” is an actual medical diagnosis. Broken heart syndrome, also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome, typically occurs after a physically or emotionally traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a car accident, a bad fight, or a near-drowning experience.  

Common symptoms include: 

• Sudden, severe chest pain 

• Shortness of breath 

• Heart palpitations (a fluttering or pounding feeling) 

• Fainting 
  
  

In broken heart syndrome, a part of your heart temporarily enlarges and doesn’t pump well, while the rest of your heart functions normally or with even more forceful contractions. According to the American Heart Association, researchers have found both bad news and good news about this condition.  

The bad news: Broken heart syndrome can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure. It is important to seek out a medical professional. if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above.  

The good news: Broken heart syndrome is usually treatable. Most people who experience it make a full recovery within weeks, and they’re at low risk of it happening again. 

Grief Triggers a Variety of Stress Responses  

Clearly, broken heart syndrome is a physical response to the stress caused by grief but there are other ways the grief stress response may cause physical distress. Some have to do with inflammation, some have to do with shock response, and some are related to the ways our mental health generally affects our physical health.  

If you’ve experienced a loss, some of these may sound familiar: 

• Fatigue and weakness: Grief is exhausting. Even getting out of bed can feel like a major feat. 

• Changes in appetite: Some people stop eating; others can’t stop. (Both are normal.) 

• Digestive issues: Nausea, stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhea—it’s not just in your head. 

• Headaches: Stress tension can make your head pound. 

• Shortness of breath: Feeling winded? That’s grief too. 

• Muscle aches and tension: Especially around the shoulders, back, and neck. 

• Sleep changes: Some can’t sleep. Others sleep too much. Neither feels restful. 

• Lower immunity: Chronic sadness and stress can leave you more susceptible to colds, viruses, and other illnesses. 

• Increased illness: When you’re not eating, sleeping, or moving regularly, your body pays the price. 

• Weird sensations: Tight chest, throat lumps, hypersensitivity to noise. It’s all real. 

• Higher blood pressure: A natural response to stress, but worth monitoring. 

• Hormonal imbalance: Yes, grief can mess with your hormones too. 

Reducing the Physical Effects of Grief  

The best way to ease these physical symptoms? Work through the grief itself. We know—easier said than done. But even small steps can help. 

First, recognize that grief is different for everyone. There’s no right way or schedule. What helps one person may not help another. Some find comfort in solitude. Others need connection. Some want to talk it out. Others would rather write, pray, scream, or just sit quietly. 

The important thing: reach for the kind of support that works for you. And know the difference between grief and clinical depression. Grief is a natural response to loss. It should, over time, begin to ease. 

Start with the Basics

When loss hits hard, the first things to go are often the most basic—hydration, food, movement. These are the building blocks of your “life force,” and neglecting them makes everything harder. 

So start small. Ask yourself: 

• Did I drink water today? 

• Have I eaten a real meal? 

• Have I moved my body, even just around the block? 
  
  

Other gentle, helpful habits: 

• Take a warm shower. 

• Step outside and get some fresh air. 

• Choose nourishing foods (even if they come from a microwave). 

• Cut back on screens before bed—your sleep will thank you. 

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. 
  
  

If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk to a doctor—sleep loss can seriously delay healing. 

Try a Calming Practice 

Mindfulness techniques like yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing can ease the physical symptoms of stress. Even light stretching or a slow walk can break the spiral of rumination. Pet a dog. Hug a friend. Listen to music. Try something small that connects you to the world outside your grief. 

And if you’re open to it, talking to a grief counselor or joining a support group can help you process your thoughts and learn new ways to carry your grief. 

 

What About the 5 Stages? 

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance — they’re familiar to anyone who’s been through the grieving process. But these stages aren’t a tidy checklist. They don’t always show up in order, and they can repeat or linger. There’s no stopwatch on grief. 

Even after you’ve “accepted” the loss, you may still revisit the sadness. That’s normal. Grief has a way of sticking with us. It’s like walking through a room full of sparkles: you can move on, but a few always cling to you. 

The Bottom Line 

If you’re feeling physical symptoms during a period of grief, you’re not imagining things. Grief is stressful—and your body reacts. 

If you’re experiencing chest pain or breathing trouble, don’t brush it off. Call your doctor. Broken heart syndrome is real—and treatable. 

Grief isn’t linear. It shifts. Some days are better. Some feel unbearable. Give yourself permission to feel it and support your body as best you can.