There are 12 interconnected systems in the human body and each is predisposed to the impact of stress and grief. According to a Psychology Today article, "for many bereaved individuals, the most common physical manifestations occur in the immune, cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems. Some examples of this include:
Immune system: systemic inflammation, weakened immune system, and lower antibody response to vaccination.
Cardiovascular system: increased blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and heart attacks.
Digestive system: nausea, queasiness, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, acid reflux, IBS, and changes in appetite.
Nervous system: headaches, difficulty with decision-making, low attention-span, disturbed sleep, fatigue, and anxiety".
It is important when grieving to consider the impacts of grief not only through the lens of mental health, but taking a holistic perspective to account for the physiological responses as well.
Source:
Mendoza, M. (2019, September 04). When grief gets physical. Retrieved April 03, 2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-grief/201909/when-grief-gets-physical?fbclid=IwAR2Hz5Ys9iV8HyhVrn1OsZrnsfgwHVdezEGxOsHzh6GCNqfvZ35XRTRF1HU