Can You Die from a Broken Heart

Many times have we heard about someone dying from a broken heart. Scientists are learning more and more about how death of a soul mate can cause a person to bring upon their own death.

The loss of a spouse can cause the person to feel like they have lost a part of their own self. This can be seen with a couple that has been together for a long time, or had an extremely close relationship.

No matter how the survivors portray their grief, they all go through the same stages. Yet some seem to bounce back and accept what has happened better than others. The chances of a bereaving spouse dying increases during the first six months after their spouse has passed.

It is normal for the surviving spouse to suffer lack of energy, sleeplessness or headaches. By seeking medical attention, this can be soon reversed and they can go on with their healing.

If the survivor already had health concerns, this increases their chance of dying shortly after their partner. The events that surround the passing of a spouse actually can release damaging cortisol into a person's system, which can cause more health problems.

Sometimes, though, the grief experienced by the remaining spouse can become deadly. If the shock is bad enough, they may privately wish to join their partner. They can actually develop problems with their heart. Other terminal diseases, such as cancer, can develop suddenly.

If their spouse's death resulted from medical complications, the surviving spouse may avoid medical care. They may also become prone to accidents, such as falling or multiple car accidents, sub-consciously hoping that they will be able to end their life.

What may actually cause the sudden illness is a change in the immune system that is brought on by grief and depression. Lack of sleep and a poor diet also can increase the chances of this happening.

Grief counseling is a major tool in recovering from the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, most will deny that they need help dealing with this event. Even if others around them feel that the person needs counseling, many times the issue is avoid because of they feel it is not their business, or because of the strong negative reaction of the person they are concerned about.

What many don't realize is that anniversaries can be just as deadly. They assume that the person has made it this far, and now it is a matter of "getting over it". Special dates can be major memory triggers and can refresh or strengthen the grief they have hidden inside.

When a spouse is sick, it is important to make sure that the healthy spouse is being taken care of as well. Just the strain of an ill partner, as well as the hospitalization of that partner can cause the healthy partner to become ill. This will increase their chances of passing soon after their partner has died.

Helping the grieving spouse to refocus their life can reduce the chances of death. Try to keep them focused on hobbies and routine activities, such as gardening or walking their dog.

Find something or someone that can show them that they do have a purpose to being alive. This will help them to get past the initial shock and grief and help them to move forward. If you do not live close to the grieving spouse, try to check for local services that can check on them, such as Meals-On-Wheels.

Be prepared for them to fight any type of hovering. Sneakiness is the key! Look like you are backing off, but don't. They will understand and appreciate your actions later.

Sometimes, the remaining spouse may be so intent on joining the departed spouse that nothing will help. Hopefully this information will help you to avoid more sadness.