Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, yet it often remains misunderstood and underestimated, particularly in its more subtle, prolonged, or physical expressions. Grief is more than just sadness. It is a multifaceted emotional and physiological response that can affect every corner of a person’s life.
Consider the experience of someone who recently lost a parent. Initially, the grief feels like an acute wave—uncontrollable tears, sleepless nights, and overwhelming sadness.
But over time, it morphs into something else: a vague numbness, a persistent exhaustion, a loss of motivation. Weeks later, they begin missing deadlines at work, avoiding friends, and struggling with unexplained aches. What began as an emotional response has now affected every layer of their well-being.
In this article, we explore how grief affects both mental and physical health and how compassionate, personalized counselling can support healing in a way that honours the full scope of what you’re going through.
Understanding Grief: More Than an Emotional Response
Grief is typically associated with emotional pain following the death of a loved one. However, its reach is far broader. Loss can stem from many sources: divorce, job loss, serious illness, infertility, or even the loss of a pet. Each form of grief carries its own emotional weight, and all forms can leave lasting imprints on our mental and physical well-being.
While emotions like sadness, guilt, anger, and loneliness are expected, grief can also impact sleep, appetite, cognition, and immune response. In some cases, these symptoms may mimic or trigger conditions such as anxiety, depression, or chronic fatigue. These complexities remind us that grief must be addressed holistically, not as a singular emotional state.
How Grief Affects Mental Health
The emotional toll of grief can take unexpected turns. After a significant loss, many individuals report feeling a profound sense of restlessness or unease that can escalate into chronic anxiety.
Every day decisions may become overwhelming. Concentration might slip. People who are grieving frequently describe feeling as if they are “in a fog,” struggling to retain focus or recall simple details.
While it is normal for sadness to ebb and flow, grief can sometimes trigger symptoms that resemble clinical depression. These may include a persistent low mood, feelings of hopelessness, or withdrawal from social activities.
In some cases, people may become unusually irritable or experience mood swings that strain personal and professional relationships. These changes can emerge suddenly or build slowly over time, often making it hard to recognise the depth of their impact.
Physical Effects That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Grief doesn’t only live in the mind. It also manifests in the body. Sleep is often one of the first areas affected; many grieving individuals struggle to fall or stay asleep, while others find themselves oversleeping as a way to escape the intensity of their emotions. Appetite may either vanish or increase dramatically, disrupting nutritional balance and energy levels.
Aches and pains, especially in the back, shoulders, and neck, are common physical expressions of grief. These may be stress-induced or result from unconscious physical tension.
Fatigue often sets in, leaving people feeling drained even after a full night’s rest. Some individuals experience lowered immunity, making them more susceptible to catching colds or infections, while others report persistent headaches or migraines that resist standard treatments.
Did You Know?
Stress-related illnesses such as digestive issues, headaches, and weakened immunity are commonly reported by people coping with unresolved grief.
When Grief Becomes Complicated
For some individuals, grief persists longer than expected and begins to interfere with day-to-day functioning. This condition, known as complicated grief, can emerge when the pain of loss becomes so overwhelming that it impedes healing.
People experiencing complicated grief may find it difficult to accept the loss or feel an ongoing sense of disbelief. They might avoid reminders of their loved one altogether or, conversely, find themselves unable to stop thinking about them.
In such cases, individuals often describe a sense of emotional numbness or detachment from their lives. Feelings of meaninglessness may take hold, and formerly enjoyable activities can lose their appeal. Left untreated, complicated grief can contribute to long-term mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety disorders.
A Holistic Approach to Grief Counselling
Grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Counselling offers a compassionate, evidence-informed approach that addresses both the emotional and physical aspects of loss.
Registered counsellors create a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore the complexities of their grief. Whether the loss is recent or something that continues to affect well-being months or years later, therapy provides a foundation of trust and support. Techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and narrative therapy help clients process their feelings, gain insight, and rediscover a sense of purpose.
Because grief often involves physical symptoms, therapists may also collaborate with other wellness professionals. For example, individuals experiencing tension headaches or chronic fatigue may benefit from complementary therapies, such as massage or acupuncture, which can contribute to a more integrated care experience.
Expert Insight:
“We approach grief as a dynamic process that requires flexibility, empathy, and an integrative plan. Many clients express relief when they realise their grief doesn’t need to fit into a specific timeline.” — Registered Counsellor
Recognising When to Reach Out
Everyone grieves differently, and there is no universal checklist to determine when help is needed. That said, certain indicators suggest it may be time to seek professional support. If sleep is consistently disrupted, appetite has significantly changed, or maintaining relationships and responsibilities becomes difficult, these are signs that grief is impacting quality of life.
You may also find yourself avoiding places, conversations, or decisions tied to the loss. Or you may revisit the same painful memories repeatedly, unable to move beyond them. For some, even moments of joy or laughter can be accompanied by guilt or emotional confusion. These reactions, although common, can become problematic if they interfere with daily functioning or persist over time.
Additionally, grief can manifest as a sense of emotional detachment or emotional “flatness.” Individuals might notice a loss of interest in once-meaningful activities, an aversion to social interaction, or a feeling that life lacks direction or purpose. When these feelings persist, they often point to a need for supportive intervention.
Many people hesitate to seek counselling because they fear their grief isn’t “serious enough” or that they should have “moved on” by now. In truth, there is no time limit on grief. Therapy isn’t about rushing the process; it’s about making space for healing to happen at your pace, supported by someone who understands.
Living With Grief While Protecting Your Health
One of the most misunderstood aspects of grief is how silently it can erode health when unaddressed. The cumulative impact of disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, and heightened stress can affect various aspects of health, including cardiovascular health and immune function. Over time, this can contribute to chronic conditions that become more difficult to manage without early intervention.
Holistic counselling addresses these intersections. Grief is not viewed as an isolated emotional event, but as something that affects the entire human ecosystem—from how a person breathes and eats to how they think and connect. Recognising this interplay allows care to be more relevant and effective.
Therapists offer support that reflects the lived experience of grief. By focusing on both emotional and physical well-being, they guide individuals through loss with empathy and insight, helping them restore balance and resilience.
Reminder:
Caring for your grief means caring for your body, too. Rebuilding routines, nourishing your body with rest and food, and reconnecting with a supportive community are all acts of healing.
It’s also worth noting that tending to one’s health in the midst of grief is not an act of denial or distraction—it is an act of self-preservation. Re-establishing small rituals like walking outdoors, journalling, or even lighting a candle each evening can help bring structure to a time that otherwise feels chaotic.
Final Thoughts: Healing Is Not Linear—But It Is Possible
Grief can feel isolating, especially when its symptoms go unrecognised or are minimised by others. What you are feeling is real, and support is available. Counselling offers a way to reclaim a sense of peace and meaning that honours your past while gently guiding you toward the future.
There is no “right” way to grieve, but there is help when the weight becomes too heavy to carry alone. Whether facing the early days of loss or navigating a long-standing sense of sorrow, therapeutic support can provide hope, healing, and a path forward.
FAQs
How long does grief typically last?
There is no standard timeline for grief. Some people begin to feel relief in a few weeks, while others need many months or even years. The important thing is to seek support when grief feels unmanageable or persistent.
Is it normal to feel physical pain while grieving?
Yes. Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, and fatigue are common. These symptoms reflect how deeply grief impacts the body.
What is the difference between grief and depression?
Grief involves fluctuating emotions, often tied to specific memories or reminders. Depression tends to be more persistent and pervasive. Counselling can help distinguish between the two and provide suitable support.
Can counselling help with non-death-related losses?
Absolutely. Counselling supports people dealing with many forms of loss, including relationship breakdowns, job transitions, chronic illness, or the loss of a future they imagined.
Do I need a referral to book a counselling session?
No referral is necessary. You can book directly through the clinic or online. A team member will help match you with a counsellor best suited to your needs.
