10 Physical Symptoms That Might Be Unprocessed Grief
Because grief isn’t just emotional. It’s physical too.
Welcome to The Truth About Grief.
If you’re new here, I’m Karen. And I’m so glad you’ve found this space.
It’s for anyone grieving their parent and for those of us whose grief is tied to the Covid years when we lost our loved one. Having said this, if you’ve recently lost your life partner or an adult child, you might find comfort from my content too.
Each Monday, you’ll receive a free post to help you process grief—especially the complex kind—gently and honestly.
Thursdays go deeper, with trauma-informed tools and body-based healing practices for paid subscribers.
June’s theme for my posts is this: if you’re grieving, the body definitely keeps score.
Now, let’s get into today’s post …
After I lost my dad, I didn’t even realize how much grief my body was carrying.
There was also the accumulated grief I hadn’t processed related to losing my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, 3 uncles and a cousin’s husband… plus my mother’s terminal health diagnosis… and my family of origin falling apart.
I was beyond exhausted… but couldn’t sleep.
My chest was tight. I had heart palpitations.
Some days, I felt like I was having a mild heart attack.
My digestion was off… and it gave me a red face (my rosacea was back screaming at me in the mirror).
I lost weight. Then I gained weight.
Even my hair fell out in clumps.
I kept snapping at people for no reason—and felt nothing and everything, all at once.
That was my grief.
Not entirely the visible, weeping kind (although I cried a LOT too).
But the kind that gets buried in your nervous system.
The kind that speaks through your symptoms when words fail.
If you’ve been feeling “off” lately and you don’t know why… this post is for you.
🌀 10 Physical Signs Your Body Might Be Grieving
1. Constant fatigue
Even after rest. Grief can keep your nervous system in a low-grade state of alert.
2. Tight chest or shallow breathing
It may feel like you can’t take a deep breath—or like something heavy is sitting on your heart.
3. Digestive issues
Bloating, nausea, appetite changes. The gut and grief are deeply connected.
4. Muscle tension or body aches
Especially in your jaw, shoulders, hips, and neck. Your body may be bracing, even when you're still.
5. Brain fog
Struggling to focus, forgetting things, or feeling spaced out? Cognitive overload is a real part of grief.
6. Insomnia or restless sleep
Whether it’s anxiety, sadness, or fear—your body may not feel safe enough to fully rest.
7. Weight fluctuations
Your weight might drop from not eating post-loss, or it might skyrocket if you’re reaching for comfort foods to soothe your grief.
8. Blood pressure changes
Feeling overly anxious after your loss can translate into high blood pressure.
9. Hair loss
Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition that can manifest after a loss.
10. Onset of an autoimmune disease
Heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders and even cancer can all suddenly take root after your loss.
🌿 What to Do if You Recognize These Symptoms
You don’t have to “push through” or go numb to survive grief and how it could be impacting your body.
That will backfire on you, so don’t ignore your symptoms because they could manifest into something really serious if you do.
Here’s a gentle starting point to begin healing:
Name it — Awareness of what’s going on in your body is the first step to healing.
Let it move — Movement, tears, and breath are powerful release valves.
Keep it simple — Try a walk, some gentle yoga (child’s pose or puppy pose are great), or just 3 deep breaths with your hands on your chest. Rest when you need to. Limit your screen time and exposure to the news and social media. Eat wholesome foods. Limit your caffeine, sugar and alcohol intake (they can add to feeling anxious). Keep yourself hydrated. Get some fresh air every day.
Don’t go it alone — That includes reaching out for support, whether it's a coach like myself, a therapist, your family doctor, a naturopath or a trusted friend. Get the blood tests done if you doctor suggests them and take some supplements to restore your health if they’re recommended. And if your grief is related to losing a loved one during Covid, find a therapist or a coach who will lend you a compassionate ear without any judgment – someone who knows full well the damage caused by the lockdowns, the government protocols and the vaccines.
✨ Want to go deeper?
This Thursday, my paid post will explore how grief—especially after sudden, complicated, or unsupported loss—can live in the nervous system… and how we can begin to gently regulate it, and intentionally release it.
👉 Subscribe to get that post delivered to your inbox:
🧘♀️ It includes a calming breathwork practice + body scan to help you reconnect with yourself after emotional overload.
Thanks for reading. And for being here.
Your grief deserves this space, to be witnessed for what it is,
And to begin healing.
Sending strength and love,
Karen 💜