Understanding Sudden Waves of Grief

Grief is not a straight path. It is full of surprises. 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. 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. 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. Grief is a complex emotion. It is not just sadness. It can also include anxiety, tension, and even 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.