Posted on August 10th, 2009 by Craig Maltby, Editor
Grieving – another big-time stressor and immune health disrupter
An uncle of mine passed away suddenly this past week. He’d been part of my life since I was a toddler and he was a small boy. 
The entire week was wrenching for me and my family. We were with him in intensive care during his passing, and then funeral planning ensued. I gave the eulogy for the family. Strange as it seems, I actually was in kind of a “zone” reflecting on his life and writing my notes. I actually felt productive and part of an important mission. Speaking at the funeral was also something that felt a bit uplifting. And the time our families and relatives spent together during the week, while difficult, was also a bonding experience that I know will be beneficial for all of us for a long time.
Yet, when all was over, I got home in mid afternoon on a beautiful, mild summer day and collapsed on the couch for 3 hours. Which was probably exactly what I needed. It illustrated to me that the grieving process can take a physical toll. For someone losing a central figure in their life–spouse or child–the physical stress can be especially burdensome and last a long time. This link gives a good overview of physical problems that can result from bereavement, and how an affected immune system and resulting physiological issues can exact a price. Bottom line: good nutrition, exercise, plenty of sleep, and, if needed, people to help you work through the loss, are all fundamental and necessary.
