20 - Health and Grief

By Kay Heitsch

Grief can be tough on our bodies. While we are suffering emotionally, somehow, grief affects our physical body, too.

It was maybe a week or so after Todd died that I experienced severe pain in my stomach. It would hit, and I would be doubled over on the floor. I had never had anything like this before.

Bill's dad was a doctor, and I mentioned this to him. He said this pain was caused by stress and Todd's death. I was surprised.

This pain continued, so I went to a specialist and found out that there wasn't anything causing this except the stress of dealing with Todd's death. I took over-the-counter stomach pills. Eventually, the pain left.

I mentioned earlier that I experienced tremendous pressure on my chest to the point I could hardly breathe right away when Todd died.

I later learned that this pressure is called Broken Heart Syndrome. When a person experiences some sudden emotional trauma, it actually hurts their heart. This is not life-threatening, or I wouldn't still be here.

Other health issues can arise from stress and grief, which can impact our immune systems.

Why do these crop up, I don't know. I've read stories about people who have experienced health issues. Surprisingly, some were from unresolved issues in their lives. Once they forgave a person, the symptoms slowly left.

I don't think that all health issues are caused by grief, stress, or unresolved issues. We inherit some health problems, too.

For me, my mom and other family members have had clinical depression. I know that, so I am cautious about what I think, watch, and read. I do what I can to keep myself mentally okay. With God's help, I am fine.

Last summer, out of nowhere, I had a Rheumatoid Arthritis flare-up. I went to bed feeling fine, but I could hardly get out of bed the next morning. I felt like my body was under attack. Our daughter-in-law is a Rheumatologist. She suggested some over-the-counter supplements. These are very helpful.

I'm on a healing journey writing about grief. I don't know if this RA is genetic or if it's from some unresolved grief issues in my life.

I know I will be healed in heaven. But this grief journey may uncover some unresolved issues.

I already learned I need to forgive myself for not speaking up.

The journey continues...