Sudden cardiac crises associated with grieving and stress may be mediated by changes in autonomic arousal and in levels of circulating catecholamines. 4 Grief symptoms vary considerably in expression and duration, but the most severe usually diminish over the first few months. 5 Bereavement is associated with significant mental and physical health consequences, and grief-associated risk factors for illness have been identified. 5 Table 1 lists the most prominent health risk factors and health consequences of grief and stress. The isolated grieving patient is at greater risk for developing a range of complications than bereaved patients with support from family and friends.
Humans are social beings and are dependent on others for physical and emotional dividends.
A grieving person may need tolerance and support for a substantial period of time. Health Benefits of Humor Cousins, a magazine editor with no medical training, first called attention to the potential therapeutic effects of humor and laughter when he described his use of laughter during treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. 2 Cousins watched funny movies and cartoons to make himself laugh every day. He believed laughter could open him up to feelings of joy, confidence and love, and thus promote his recovery. Table 2 lists physiologic and psychologic health benefits associated with humor.