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Losing a Loved One Can Manifest Physical Symptoms of Grief

When a person experiences the wrongful death of a loved one, there is a lot of attention paid to their feelings – and for a good reason. It is one of the most traumatic things a person can go through. In fact, it is so traumatic that it can actually manifest physical symptoms. If this has happened to you after losing someone in an accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation with a personal injury attorney.

Common Physical Symptoms of Grief

A person can experience many physical symptoms of grief, depending on their situation. Many of them feel similar to heart attacks or panic attacks. Common physical reactions to grief include shortness of breath, feeling physically exhausted, the constant need to sigh, pain in the stomach, muscular pain, and a choking feeling. It is common for these symptoms to come in waves.

In recent studies, researchers have found that there are many other potential responses to the shock of losing someone. Some people shake or scream uncontrollably. Some cannot sleep, drink, eat, move, or even talk. In most cases, these symptoms of shock will wear off after a few days, or a few weeks at the most. If they are ongoing, then a doctor should be consulted.

The Connection Between Emotional Pain and Physical Pain

People use words like “hurt” to describe their feelings. They talk about experiencing a “heartbreak.” While they generally mean this metaphorically, it can actually be literal. Studies have shown that those experiencing deep emotional pain are also more sensitive to noise, shaking, racing heart, churning stomachs, and can have flashbacks.

While there are many opinions and ideas on why physical and emotional pain are tied to one another, the truth is that no one knows for sure. The science is currently being done, and while there is no certainty, there are some ideas that researchers believe more than others.

Greif Can Have a Profound Impact on the Immune System

When a person loses a loved one, they may end up more likely to come down with an infection. At least, that is what one study from the University of Birmingham found. They looked at bereaved people and found that they had a lower function of neutrophils, which is the most abundant type of white blood cell most people have. Its primary function is to fight off pneumonia and other similar rapidly dividing bacteria.

Your Personal Injury Case Might Include Compensation for Grief

There is a category of damages when you file for a personal injury lawsuit referred to as “pain and suffering.” If you have lost a loved one and it has negatively impacted your life, then you might be eligible for compensation. You can contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now for a free legal consultation to learn more about your options.