The most common response to loss is grief, a complex, evolutionary, and frightening experience. Grief is a natural reaction to any significant change. Oftentimes, when ignored or denied, grief can harm us in dozens of ways. Scientific research indicates that grief can make people more susceptible to illness and increase blood pressure and heart rate. Grief can also cause flashbacks, fatigue, and insomnia.
Several studies link bereavement to an increase in lung, cervical, and breast tumors.
Reactions to loss vary widely from person to person and may cover a confusing range of emotions. The stages of grief are often unpredictable. Reactions depend on our personalities, the type of loss, the existence of previous losses, and the social support we receive. The time it takes for an emotional wound to heal varies from person to person. Shock and Denial 2.