Grief can have a profound yet deceptive impact on the body. We expect to feel sad, lonely, lost, or confused. But how many folks associate, say, digestive issues or muscle aches with mourning? Even more so, fatigue is an almost universal hallmark of grief. While mourning, you may feel tired all the time.
Grief fatigue is real, and it demands our full attention. Well-meaning friends and family members tell you “stay strong” and “move on.” Even if this was good advice (it’s not), what if you lack the energy to even get through basic daily chores and tasks?
What is Grief Fatigue & What Causes It?
Suffering a loss is exhausting. The emotional strain can be overwhelming and must never be underestimated. On top of that, you may have to take on a bevy of new tasks. Who will contact family members to inform them of the death? What about all the funeral logistics and details? And the paperwork is enough to drive anyone to weariness.
Grief fatigue is exactly what the name implies. You’ve undergone a terrible loss. Your mind and body are worn out, and it feels like there’s no end in sight. To be more specific, grief fatigue can be the result of:
Stress
Your body uses energy to store and/or deal with stress. The more stress you face, the more energy is required. Stress, as it accumulates in your body, saps much of your already limited energy. It doesn’t get much more stressful than losing someone you love.
Eating Habits
In a time of sorrow, you may unconsciously make choices that are unhealthy. For example, some people lose interest in eating and dramatically reduce their nutritional intake. In other instances, the bereaved may fill themselves up with unhealthy comfort food. Either choice will reduce your energy levels.
Sleep Disturbances
A stressed person typically has trouble maintaining typical sleep patterns. You lose sleep or find yourself unable to fall asleep. Even when you do nod off, it’s not restful or sustained. These patterns, if left unchecked, are a recipe for exhaustion. No one can function without enough sleep.
New Responsibilities
Above, I mentioned the endless busy work you’ll need to do right after someone dies. But sometimes, depending on your relationship with the deceased, their loss thrusts you into a position of increased responsibilities. You are already feeling wiped out; now, you’re being asked to do more than you did before.
How Long Does Grief Fatigue Last & What Can Be Done?
Everyone grieves differently and has unique circumstances in their life. It is impossible to provide a specific timeline for grief fatigue. Of course, if fatigue lingers or gets worse, it is critical that you seek help. In the meantime, the best path is to begin taking fundamental steps to facilitate your healing, e.g.:
Get Back Into Your Self-Care Routines: Safeguard the basics, e.g., healthy eating choices, regular sleep patterns, and daily exercise. Plus, get outside when you can.
Practice Mindfulness, Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques: Develop methods to reduce the stress you’re feeling. This will, in turn, decrease exhaustion.
Do Not Isolate Yourself: It’s tempting to withdraw, but this can lead to more rumination and, therefore, more stress. Connect with your trusted support system.
Set Realistic Expectations: Be patient with yourself. Ask for help when it is needed. Accept the reality that it will take some time before you experience your normal energy levels again.
If grief and grief fatigue have you feeling stuck, let’s talk. Working with a therapist is a proven path toward healing and recovery. I’d love to schedule you for a free and confidential consultation to get this process started.
