Fluid Intake.

It is very, very important that to drink at least eight (8) glasses of fluids per day, such as water (the very best), juice, caffeine-free drinks, etc. Our bodies can go much longer without food than they can without water! When in grief, our bodies tend to override the need for fluids...our thirst trigger goes unnoticed.

I know this is true, as I have gone full days while in grief without giving one thought to taking a drink until someone offers it to me. Suddenly, I felt so very thirsty! I had felt that thirst all along, but had ignored the signal. This one is very important! I have worked with many clients who couldn’t stomach to eat at all, so I have suggested that drinking Carnation Instant Breakfast® or Ensure®, which gives some nutritional value along with fluids. I have also found it true that some who have suffered a grief event and have overidden their thirst reflex tend to continue to do so even when not in grief.

Why no caffeine? It causes dehydration, headaches, low-back pain, and may increase sleeplessness. These are areas where grievers are already experiencing some problems. Caffeine just makes a bad problem even worse.

Have a Physical Exam Four Months After Experiencing Your Loss.

The reason? When grieving, the body is at high risk for life-threatening disease. Problems may not be detectable until four months after the loss. Physician researchers have developed a list called "Seven Deadly Diseases Associated with Grief" (contact us for this if interested). It lists the diseases they saw repeatedly in patients after they had experienced a loss.. It's true that someone really can die from "a broken heart"-- grief can be deadly.

Do not assume that all is well, but do have this check up, even if you are feeling good