Losing a loved one can be one of the most painful and stressful events in your life, and it might cause a severe emotional crisis that could develop into different physical symptoms or diseases:
- Anger
- Despair
- Guilt
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Bone aches
- Worsening of arthritis symptoms.
- Gastritis or worsening of symptoms.
- And more…
This emotional maelstrom can affect behavior and judgment. Many patients report to me stomach pain, and eating habit changes: loss or gain of appetite, intestinal upsets, sleep disturbances, and loss of energy. Of all life’s stresses, mourning can seriously test your natural defense systems. Existing illnesses may worsen or new conditions may appear.
In stressful and sad times you don’t need people around you who do not support you. You need to surround yourself with loving human beings who actually care about you. Go out with them, and trust them if they have proven to you that they are loyal and faithful.Having and caring for pets like dogs, cats, and birds, is another way to find comfort. I especially love cats, but others prefer dogs or birds. Some people don’t like animals and would rather care for plants. Therefore, get into planting, gardening, farming, and grafting. Some of my patients have expressed their liking towards social activities like volunteering, helping others, and «not being at home where there are so many memories» — they say. It is fine, but remember, sooner or later you have to face reality and stay at home. So do the volunteering for other reasons such as helping others and just «not» to be at home.
Remember: After the storm, calm is restored.
Dra. Martha Andrea Castro Noriega, MD 