Understanding Sudden Waves of Grief

Grief is not a straight path. It is full of surprises.

Jane Griffin's Experience

For Jane Griffin, losing her husband after a long battle with Lewy body dementia was expected. But the way grief hit her was not.

• Small things, like seeing her husband's favorite food at the store, could trigger a sudden rush of emotions.
• Her heart would race, and she would feel overwhelmed.

This is what experts call a grief attack.

What is a Grief Attack?

A grief attack is a sudden, intense wave of sadness and anxiety.

• It is like a panic attack but with deep grief added on top.
• Sherman Lee, a psychology professor, describes it as a core-shaking experience.
• Grief attacks can happen to anyone who has lost a loved one.
• They are not well understood, but researchers are studying them to learn more.

What Does a Grief Attack Feel Like?

Imagine feeling fine one moment and then, out of nowhere, a wave of sadness and anxiety washes over you.

• Your heart races, and you feel tense.
• This is a grief attack.
• It can happen anytime, anywhere.
• Researchers are trying to understand why this happens and how to help people cope.

Understanding Grief Attacks

Grief attacks are not well understood. But they are real.

• They can be mild or severe.
• Some people have them often, while others rarely experience them.
• Researchers are working to find out more about grief attacks.
• They want to know what causes them and how to help people deal with them.

The Complexity of Grief

Grief is a complex emotion. It is not just sadness. It can also include:

• Anxiety
• Tension
• Physical symptoms

Grief attacks are a part of this complexity. They are a reminder that grief is not a straight path. It is full of surprises.

Understanding grief attacks is an important step in helping people cope with loss.