Experiencing the
loss of a loved one can be a life-shattering experiencing.
We ' re effected both emotionally and physically. We feel
grief on such a deep emotional level, and our stress increases
so dramatically, that great havoc is wreaked on our bodies.
When it comes to
grief, if stress continues for many months, the body forgets
to operate the way it should. Since the stress of the
grief is continuing, the production of Adrenocorticotropic
Hormone (ACTH) continues, telling the adrenal gland to
produce an increasing amount of cortisone. Too much cortisone
will begin circulating in the blood - sometimes up to
10 - 20 times. This can lead to a faltering of the immune
system, issues regarding a gland called the thymus (which
is responsible for manufacturing white blood cells). All
of this makes you much more susceptible to even the most
common of germs. Of course, this is an oversimplified
explanation of the chemistry involved, but it gives you
a basic overview of the profound impact that grief can
have on your body.
Therefore, it '
s important to take preventative measures, for both you,
and loved ones, when dealing with grief. Knowledge is
the key to not allowing grief to take over our lives.
It will better the ability to fight disease, eat properly,
sleep, ward off restlessness, remain energetic and motivated.
Naturally, grief will lead to some or all of these things
to some degree, however, the trick is not to let them
get out of hand. As much as we may not like to admit it,
in a time of grief, nutrition and exercise are just as
important, if not more so, than on any other day.
Too many people
view death as a cruel separation between them and their
departed loved one. Even emotionally healthy, an/or religious
people will make this mistake.
True, death does
involve true pain and sorrow due to the physical separation,
but it is just as true to recognize that our loved ones
do remain with us, in our thoughts, memories, and (as
many believe) in an eternal afterlife.
It is very challenging
to see this " brighter " side, when first faced with the
death of someone close, but time heals all wounds, and
the healing should be allowed.
Certainly this
doesn ' t mean that you should not feel sad upon the death
of a loved one. Grief is a natural process that helps
us deal and adapt with the pain of loss. However, grief
should also be allowed to pass, so that you can continue
on with your life when you are ready.
Grief, perhaps,
is not as well acknowledged in our society as it should
be for a healthy understanding, yet it is an integral
part of the large changes that are experienced in life.
Families who openly acknowledge their grief and work together
to learn healthy ways in which to express their pain,
can release their emotions properly, and share in ways
to move on to the challenges ahead. Grief that is not
properly released can frequently develop into anger, child
abuse and/or neglect, illness, and substance abuse.
Bereavement literature, which is readily available in many
locations, can help you deal with unresolved grief, helping
you to move past difficulties that you have been facing
in coping with losses throughout your life. Have a look
at the articles on this site to help you deal with grief,
or assist a loved one to deal with their grief. You'll find
that the more you learn, the better you can deal with a
loss of a loved one, or the loss experienced by someone
else.
Death
and Dying : The blow of death, shatters our perception
of the world. Stages of grief occur as a reaction to the
loss. Provided are resources to assist with understanding
the process of grief (what's normal what isn't) and avenues
to gain comfort. . < CLICK ON MENTAL HEALTH>
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