Grief can Negatively Affect Our Brain

Lisa M. Shulman, MD, director of the University of Maryland Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center and recipient of the Rosalyn Newman Distinguished Scholar in Parkinson’s Disease, explains how tragedy and personal loss can negatively affect the brain. Regardless of the cause, the brain interprets grief as emotional trauma or PSTD.  

To help deal with grief, the brain switches into a survival fight or flight mode, which in turn, raises a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, and releases certain hormones. This process can result in a whole range of symptoms such as “changes in memory, behavior, sleep, and body function, and affect the immune system as well as the heart.” People may also experience brain fog. 

Doctors say the neuroplasticity of the brain allows for healing over time but in cases of chronic stress, a person may have a reduction in nerve growth and memory; and an increase in their fear response as the individual focuses on survival. This continued heightened reaction can have a negative effect on the brain and become hardwired as a default setting.   

However even a conditioned response can be reversed through focused, mindful activities. Dr. Shulman cites examples such as journaling, cognitive behavior therapy, counseling, creativity and meditation as outlets for post-traumatic growth. Practicing these types of strategies can aid healing and allow the person to move forward in their life. 

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Source: americanbrainfoundation.org/how-tragedy-affects-the-brain/