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Grief is a universal human experience that a lot of people will go through at some point in their lives. But this doesn’t make the experience any easier. <\/span><\/p>\n It takes time and patience, and less commonly known is that the brain plays a part. It activates the body’s natural mechanism to deal with the unexpected loss of loved ones — essentially becoming the “grief brain.”<\/span><\/p>\n In this article, we’ll closely examine what happens to the brain during grief, how our minds deal with loss, how grief affects the brain, healthy coping mechanisms, and, importantly, heal the grief brain.<\/span><\/p>\n But first.<\/span><\/p>\n What does grief do to your brain?<\/span><\/p>\n Grief brain, also known as grief brain fog, is the term used to describe the mental and emotional aftereffects of our body’s response to the loss of a loved one. <\/span><\/p>\n According to researcher and author Mary-Frances O’Connor,<\/i><\/b> grief is connected to various distinct brain functions. From how we recall memories to regulating our heartbeat and how we experience pain and suffering. <\/span><\/p>\n Grief can be very tough and overwhelming. The science of grief indicates that some of us may struggle with memory, concentration, decision-making, and other cognitive tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n In order to cope with this, we have developed the grief brain. And the science of it all suggests that in the face of grief, our bodies react in a similar natural – predetermined way, even as we experience it differently.<\/span><\/p>\n So…<\/span><\/p>\n Comprehensive research on grief shows that following the loss of your loved one, your brain becomes overburdened with thoughts of grief, sadness, loneliness, and negative emotions. The grief brain kicks into effect, impacting your concentration, cognition, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n “Can grief cause memory loss” is a common question. While there is no concrete scientific evidence to affirm a relationship between grief and memory loss, people have been known to lose their memory when grieving. <\/span><\/p>\n More specifically, your body’s <\/span>fight flight or freeze instinct<\/span><\/a> kicks in, releasing a flood of hormones and neurochemicals into the bloodstream, which then travels all over the body, including the brain.<\/span><\/p>\n Due to the erratic production and supply of these hormones and neurochemicals, the brain flips and prioritizes the more fundamental functions.<\/span><\/p>\n The effects of grief on the brain can be traced to the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and autonomous control, which becomes relegated to the passenger seat. The limbic system, where all your survival instincts reside, becomes the new control center.<\/span><\/p>\n Every day, when you remember your partner’s demise — the memory of your partner’s loss and constant reminders of their absence, such as their favorite food or TV show, trigger this stress response until it becomes your brain’s new baseline.<\/span><\/p>\n As Helen Marlo, a professor of clinical psychology at Notre Dame de Namur University in California<\/i><\/b>, explains — our brains struggle to understand the circumstances surrounding the passing of a loved one. They may even make up explanations for it.<\/span><\/p>\n In the thick of it, this might send us down a rabbit hole of “what ifs” and “if onlys.” Only with time and intentionality can grief catalyze growth and transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n Grief brain does not only manifest emotionally. The truth is both our bodies and minds can be impacted by grief.<\/span><\/p>\n Each of us is affected differently depending on the level of stress we’re experiencing. You might experience it.<\/span><\/p>\n Grieving almost always comes with tiredness. The intense feelings of loss can cause physical tension and drain the body’s energy levels, leading to fatigue. <\/span><\/p>\n Like most other physical symptoms, exhaustion usually comes in waves; at this moment, you are feeling okay, and at the next, far from. <\/span><\/p>\n Grief-related psychological stress can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep, resulting in insomnia or other sleep disturbances. <\/span><\/p>\n A 2020 study found that people who have lost a loved one experience sleep disturbances <\/span>20–33 percent more frequently<\/span><\/a> than those who have not.<\/span><\/p>\n People who are grieving may also experience dreaming differently than before their loss; dreams could become more vivid and filled with <\/span>nightmares<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Watch this video to learn more about how sleep affects your emotional health.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>What is a grief brain?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>What happens to your brain when you lose your partner?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>5 physical and emotional symptoms of grief brain?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Tiredness<\/b><\/h3>\n
Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>What Is Emotional Exhaustion<\/span><\/i><\/a>?<\/span><\/pre>\n
2. Sleep disturbances<\/b><\/h3>\n