Why Does Grief Hurt So Much Physically?

In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey explore the real physical impact of grief and loss, from bereavement and miscarriage to heartbreak, job loss and losing a pet. Dr Amir explains why grief can cause symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, digestive problems, anxiety, low immunity and exhaustion, and he reveals the science behind Broken Heart Syndrome, a very real medical condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. Content warning: This episode discusses grief, bereavement, loss and emotional distress. Please make sure you’re in the right headspace before listening. If this episode brings up difficult feelings, you don’t have to deal with them alone. UK support: If you’re struggling or feel at risk, you can contact Samaritans free, 24/7 on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org. If you’re outside the UK, please seek local crisis support services in your country or speak to a trusted healthcare professional. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠randoxhealth.com⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: [email protected] Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction – Understanding grief and loss00:37 – Welcome to No Appointment Necessary00:59 – Episode focus & sponsor message02:35 – What grief really is and why it hurts physically05:22 – Love, loss & broken heart syndrome08:30 – When to see your GP: grief vs depression10:55 – Healing over time & how the body adapts12:48 – How to support someone who is grieving27:16 – Miscarriage, pet loss & unseen grief34:53 – Health hack: showing up for others A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices