Are you physically ill?

The loss of a loved one affects us physically as well as emotionally.  Unfortunately, grieving opens the way for physical illness.

Grief makes us susceptible to illness such as the common cold, sore throat and infections. The stress of grief can also bring about ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, heart disease and cancer.  What we think and feel has a direct effect on our biological systems.

Are you experiencing some type of physical illness?

Tags: disease, ill, illness, sick, stress

Views: 1879

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by eileen eileen on December 17, 2010 at 9:01am
I am brand new to the site. My grief has taken a huge toll on my physical well being. I have sores in my mouth, headaches and fatigued much of the time. I also lost a lot of weight and am malnourished. I recently sought medical attention and am working hard to improve my health. My heart hurts so much it takes everything out of me just to eat. Eileen
Permalink Reply by Diana, Grief Recovery Coach on December 17, 2010 at 9:16am

Eileen,

The loss of a loved one does take a toll on our bodies.  How much weight have you lost?  And you're malnourished?  I'm a dietitian and I can help you find nutrient dense foods that are easy to digest.  I know just how difficult it can be just to put nourishing foods in our bodies.  Send me a private message and tell me your height, weight and age and I can give you some more specific advice.  ~ Diana

Permalink Reply by eileen eileen on December 17, 2010 at 10:09am

Thank you Diana.  I sent you an email. Since I'm new I hope I did it correctly.

Permalink Reply by Cindy on December 17, 2010 at 11:59am

I have had ulcerative colitis since I was 15, almost 30 years now.  Physically, both that and my asthma have been worse.  I was and am going through tests for colon cancer too, both before Les passed away and now.  I have lost a few pounds and I am having difficulty eating or cooking--I cooked for Les and I found him in the kitchen.

Permalink Reply by Diana, Grief Recovery Coach on December 17, 2010 at 12:34pm

Cindy,

Sounds like you need easy to prepare food items.  And some tips to keep your energy up.  I'll send you a message with some tips.

Permalink Reply by David Bartelt on December 25, 2010 at 1:12pm

I have been sick for the most of 4 years since my wife of 24 years passed away.

Most in  my head I am sure.

I have lived with panic stricken terror of physical illness and doctors for all of my life.

Being 56 years old, I am sure that this is not going to get better but will get worse.

I am a hypochondriac and diagnose myself through google, coming up with all sorts of illness.  This past february I had a bad case of winter itch, but after looking up itching on a google search, I was sure I had leukemia.

Have no idea why I am telling you this except that I am new on this site.

So there you go...I already have said too much

Permalink Reply by Diana, Grief Recovery Coach on December 26, 2010 at 10:35am
You haven't said too much.  Journaling about what we are feeling is healthy for the soul.  Happy Holidays!
Permalink Reply by penny on December 26, 2010 at 5:44am
yes i too have been phyically ill since june--i lost my wonderful husband in may of 2010--it was totally unexpected--but i have been coughing non stop since then it is a productive cough and sometimes there is blood--ive lost 40 pounds--i have sores that dont heal--and a lump behind my ear--ive been to the doctor and they have been telling me that it is all in my head--they finally did a bronchscope and told me i have brochitis in the bottom of my lung and irritants in my throat--this was done on dec. 6th and then no word from the doctor to let me know if there is any other kind of follow up--or any medication i should be taking for this--i am at a point right now that since the doctor doesnt care then why should i
Permalink Reply by Diana, Grief Recovery Coach on December 26, 2010 at 10:33am

Penny,

Please send me a private note and let me know if you are underweight or you can send me your height, weight and age and I'll be able to tell from that info.  I care!  Just send me a note and we'll go from there.  (((((hugs)))))

Permalink Reply by Tammy on January 3, 2011 at 4:59pm

Hi Diana,

When my husband died I lost 30 lbs. which I have not gained back. I rarely have an appetite and was diagnosed with gastritis 3 months ago. I have chronic headaches, chest pains, aches and pains and I am always tired. I had to quite my job due to my poor mental and physical health. It's been hard not working. I feel like I should be stronger, but my body just won't cooperate.

Tammy

Permalink Reply by Martha Moreno on January 10, 2011 at 3:50pm

I try to stifle the waves of grief and tears that overtake me at what seems like less than a moment's notice and fear that I'll have a heart attack in the process.  It is very uncomfortable - very stressful.  Most people don't understand.  My father was 97 - we had him a long time - all the worse to lose him even though he wasn't the best father and did nothing to stop my mother from abusing us.  Any thoughts?

Permalink Reply by Martha Moreno on January 10, 2011 at 3:53pm

I have a great deal of trouble eating the right things or exercising.  My mind is scattered.  I start one task and then go on to another one without finishing the first one.  I have no motivation to get things done, although I manage to anyway because I have a family.  Being productive doesn't make me feel any better.   I go through the motions.  I get out of bed, sometimes take a shower, dress, take the kids to school, cook, pack my husband's lunch thinking that if I stay active I'll feel better.  I don't.  Nothing seems to help.  Sometimes I just feel like dying.  

RSS

Groups

Latest Activity

Louis updated their profile
Nov 24
Louis is now a member of Online Grief Support - A Social Community
Nov 20
Welcome Them!
Marisol Delgado is now a member of Online Grief Support - A Social Community
Nov 13
Welcome Them!
Marcus Delgado updated their profile
Nov 11
Marcus Delgado posted a discussion

My mom died 4 months ago

My mom had pulmonary fibrosis. She was sick for a few years. It was funny how when my grandmother smoked, my mom would always say-I’m gonna die from second hand smoke. My mom never smoked. She died from lung disease. Ironic.I was fine at the funeral. Planning. Talking to everyone. I thought u handled it great. Now 4 months later, I’m a mess. Some days I’m perfectly fine, but others I can’t walk down the street without crying. I keep thinking that I haven’t talked to her in a while & I…See More
Nov 11
0 Comments
Milan updated their profile
Oct 30
Milan is now a member of Online Grief Support - A Social Community
Oct 29
Welcome Them!
J’Lyn Wilson posted a photo
Thumbnail

IMG_3163

My dad was the best human I’ve ever known.
Oct 27
0 Comments

© 2025   Created by Ninja.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service