Grief is a natural part of life. We all face the pain of losing someone we love, and for many people, grief gradually softens with time. But for others, the sadness does not ease.
Instead, it lingers, reshaping daily life and even affecting long-term health. Recent studies show that chronic, unresolved grief may do more than weigh down our emotions—it may also increase the risk of dying earlier.
What is Chronic Grief?
Most people move through grief in waves. There are painful moments, but over months and years, life slowly becomes manageable again. Chronic grief, often called prolonged grief disorder (PGD), happens when this healing process stalls. The grief remains intense, persistent, and disruptive. Symptoms can include overwhelming sadness, constant longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, and withdrawal from normal life. The World Health Organization recognised prolonged grief disorder as a formal diagnosis in the ICD-11 in 2022, highlighting its impact as a mental health condition.
The Link Between Grief and Mortality
A Danish study published in JAMA Psychiatry (2024) followed more than 88,000 bereaved individuals to understand the long-term health outcomes of grief. The findings were striking. Those who experienced high levels of grief had an 88% higher risk of dying within 10 years compared to people whose grief was less intense.
The study also found:
- People with severe grief were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death globally.
- They showed increased reliance on healthcare services, with higher hospital admission rates.
- There was a significant rise in prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication among those with intense grief.
These numbers suggest that unresolved grief is not just an emotional burden. It has real, measurable effects on the body and overall survival.
Why Does Grief Affect the Body?
Researchers believe chronic grief impacts health through both psychological and biological pathways:
- Stress Hormones: Prolonged grief activates the body’s stress response. High cortisol levels over time can raise blood pressure, impair immune function, and strain the heart.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and poor sleep quality are common in grief. Chronic sleep loss increases risk for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
- Inflammation: Studies show that bereaved individuals often have higher levels of inflammation in the body, which is linked to disease progression.
- Behavioural Changes: People may neglect exercise, nutrition, or medical care while grieving, which adds to health risks.
In short, grief does not just stay in the mind—it imprints on the body too.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Not everyone who grieves will face these risks. Research highlights certain factors that increase vulnerability:
- Sudden or traumatic losses (for example, losing a child or partner unexpectedly).
- Lack of social support, which can make grief feel more isolating.
- Pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
- Ongoing stressors, like financial strain or family conflict after a death.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder than men, though both face serious health consequences when grief remains unresolved.
Addressing Chronic Grief: What Helps?
The good news is that support and treatment can reduce both the emotional and physical impact of grief. Approaches include:
- Grief counselling: Talking with a psychologist helps people process loss, find meaning, and learn healthy coping strategies.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for grief: Research shows CBT can reduce symptoms of prolonged grief disorder, helping individuals challenge unhelpful thoughts and re-engage with life.
- Peer and community support: Grief groups provide connection and understanding, which protect against isolation.
- Lifestyle supports: Regular movement, healthy eating, and sleep hygiene all buffer the physical toll of grief.
- Medication when needed: For those with severe symptoms, short-term medication under medical supervision may help stabilise mood and sleep.
Importantly, seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a proactive step toward healing and protecting long-term wellbeing.
Breaking the Stigma Around Grief
Society often expects people to “move on” quickly after a loss. This pressure can silence those who are still struggling years later. Recognising chronic grief as a real health concern shifts the conversation. It tells us that unresolved grief is not about weakness or lack of willpower. It is about mental health, biology, and the need for compassionate care.
Final Thoughts
The evidence is clear: chronic grief can increase the risk of early death. This reality underscores the importance of taking grief seriously—not just as an emotional challenge but as a public health concern. With timely support, counselling, and community understanding, people can move toward healing and protect their long-term health.
At MLA Psychology, we understand the heavy weight grief can place on a person’s heart and body. Our team is here to help individuals and families navigate loss, build resilience, and find a way forward. If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, visit MLA Psychology to learn more or to book an appointment with one of our compassionate psychologists.
