July 28,2025
RED FM News Desk
New research shows that intense grief after losing a loved one can significantly increase the risk of death. A 10-year Danish study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that bereaved individuals with “high levels” of grief symptoms were nearly four times more likely to die than those with milder grief (26.5% vs. 7.3%).
Researchers tracked 1,735 participants, categorizing them based on the severity of their grief symptoms—such as emotional numbness, difficulty accepting the loss, and feeling life is meaningless. Those with severe grief also used more antidepressants and mental health services.
Experts say that prolonged grief stress can harm physical health, increasing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor mental health. Although causes of death were not studied, the findings support the idea that extreme grief can have lasting, life-threatening effects—sometimes referred to as “broken heart syndrome.”
Researchers suggest that healthcare providers identify and support vulnerable individuals early to prevent long-term health risks.
Loading ...
