The follow-up to celebrated grief expert, neuroscientist, and psychologist Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor’s
The Grieving Brain
focuses on the impact of grief—and life’s other major stressors—on the human body.
Coping with death and grief is one of the most painful human experiences. While we can speak to the psychological and emotional ramifications of loss and sorrow, we often overlook its impact on our physical bodies. Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor specializes in the study of grief, and in
The Grieving Body
she shares vital scientific research, revealing imperative new insights on its profound physiological impact. As she did in
, O’Connor combines illuminating studies and personal stories to explore the toll loss takes on our cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems and the larger implications for our long-term well-being.
addresses questions about how bereavement affects us, such as:
Can we die of a broken heart?
What happens in our bodies when we’re grieving?
How do our coping behaviors affect our physical health?
What is the cognitive impact of grief?
Why are we more prone to illness during times of enormous stress?
and more
Research-backed, warm, and empathetic,
is an essential, hopeful read for those experiencing loss as well as their supportive friends and family.
is illustrated with black-and-white charts and graphs.