1. Sleep Disturbances

The truth is, after a terrible loss, it can take years to re-establish a normal sleep cycle. Victims of war, soldiers, and POW's almost never get back to a normal sleep cycle, and the same is true for anyone who has been through a stressful ordeal such as losing a loved one. If you have been dealing with irregular sleep cycles, maybe you should speak to a doctor to see if there's anything that can be done to help you.

2. Irregular Periods

Having irregular periods or sometimes losing your period altogether during times of heavy stress and emotion is very normal, in addition to being a sign your body is grieving. Your body decreases its production of hormones like estrogen during times of extreme stress which can result in long and heavy periods or no period at all. So don't be alarmed if it happens a few times, however if it becomes a regular thing, you should speak with a doctor soon. Missing a period is unhealthy for the female body unless said female is pregnant or has already been through menopause.

3. Random Aches and Pains

Don't feel alarmed if you experience random aches and pains throughout your body without warning. This is one of the signs your body is grieving. Stress creates tension throughout your entire body, resulting in back pain or all-over discomfort. You can have massages or chiropractic adjustments to help relieve the pressure. Taking a pain killer may also be a suggestion, but do so only with a doctor's approval.

4. Loss of Appetite

When your body is mourning or depressed, you may notice a decrease in desire to eat. This is perfectly normal and there's nothing wrong with feeling this way for a few days or off and on throughout the months following. However, if it becomes a consuming habit or something that you just can't seem to shake, seek help immediately. Not eating can result in serious eating disorders and health conditions. Don't fall into that position!

5. Muscle Twitches

One of the signs your body is grieving is made manifest through muscle twitches. They can happen when you are awake or asleep, especially during a dream. Compulsive thought about a loved one can be noticed physically through facial tics or repetitive muscle spasms. Over time, this can create a problem, so if you notice that it becomes a continuous thing, you should seek medical help.

6. Dry Mouth

A dry mouth is another thing that isn't uncommon in people who are experiencing heavy grief or stress. Since fear and grief activate the same region in your brain, people in sorrow or mourning often experience a dry mouth. Drinking more water can help, but the best cure is to try and move on with your life and stop grieving so hard. Easier said than done, I know but it DOES need to be done.

7. Decreased Immunity

A person who is stressed beyond belief and very emotional or in a mourning/grieving state has a very low immunity. This is because all of their energy is focused on their grief and this is where it becomes so easy to get sick. Any germ that enters your system becomes a threat to your health. Even a common cold can turn into something more serious if your immune system isn't functioning properly. If you always seem sick or can't seem to shake simple things like colds or coughs, it may be a sign your body is grieving.

I've never lost someone very close to me, so I can't really speak of any of this through experience. However, I do know how it feels to be under major stress. If you are noticing any of these signs that your body is grieving long after it should be, you need to seek professional help right away. Sometimes just talking it out helps. So just take that step and get out of this grieving period! How do you deal with your grieving?

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