The Science Behind Grief: What Happens to the Brain and Body

The Science Behind Grief: What Happens to the Brain and Body

The Hidden Science Behind Grief

Grief is often misunderstood as a purely emotional reaction, but science reveals that it deeply impacts brain function, the nervous system, and overall health. It is a biological response to loss, activating the same neural pathways responsible for physical pain, stress, and emotional regulation.

Whether grief stems from the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or even one’s identity, the brain processes all forms of loss in similar ways. MRI studies show that the same brain regions activated when experiencing physical pain are also triggered during grief, explaining why grief can feel like a deep, unrelenting ache.

Why Grief is More Than Just an Emotion

Many people associate grief with sadness, longing, or sorrow, but its effects go far beyond emotions. Scientific studies have found that grief alters cognitive function, weakens the immune system, disrupts sleep, and even increases inflammation in the body.

• MRI scans reveal that grief affects the limbic system, which controls emotions and memories, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.

• Prolonged grief can lead to long-term changes in brain chemistry, impacting serotonin and dopamine levels, which are responsible for mood regulation and motivation.

• The gut-brain connection plays a major role. Grief disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues, appetite fluctuations, and even depression.

How Grief Affects the Brain and Body

Scientists have identified several major physiological changes that occur during grief.

Disrupted Brain Function

• The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, becomes less active, leading to brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating.

• The amygdala, which processes fear and sadness, becomes hyperactive, making grief feel more intense and overwhelming.

Increased Stress Hormones (Cortisol Overload)

• Grief activates the body's fight-or-flight response, flooding the system with cortisol, the primary stress hormone.

• High cortisol levels cause anxiety, restlessness, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.

Inflammation and Chronic Pain

• Grief raises inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and cytokines, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain conditions.

A study from Harvard Medical School found that individuals experiencing intense grief had 53 percent higher inflammation levels than those who were not grieving, increasing their risk of long-term health complications.

Disturbed Sleep Patterns

• Melatonin production drops during grief, leading to insomnia, difficulty staying asleep, nightmares, and extreme daytime fatigue.

Immune System Weakening

• Studies show that grieving individuals have 35 percent lower immune system function, making them more susceptible to infections, colds, and flu.

Key Statistics on Grief and Health Risks

These findings prove that grief is not just an emotion. It profoundly affects the body, brain, and overall health.

How Grief Affects Different Bodily Functions

The impact of grief on different physiological systems, including brain function, immune system, inflammation, and sleep patterns.

How Grief Affects Different Physiological Systems

The graph above illustrates how grief impacts different bodily functions.

• Brain Function (80 percent Impact) – Grief disrupts memory, concentration, and decision-making due to neurotransmitter imbalances.

• Immune System (65 percent Impact) – A weakened immune system increases the risk of infections, colds, and chronic illnesses.

• Inflammation Levels (85 percent Impact) – Chronic stress from grief raises inflammatory markers, contributing to heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain.

• Sleep Patterns (75 percent Impact) – Grief disrupts melatonin production, leading to insomnia, nightmares, and extreme fatigue.

The Long-Term Impact of Grief on Physical and Mental Health

Prolonged Grief Can Lead to Chronic Illness

Studies show that individuals suffering from prolonged grief disorder are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders.

A 2023 study from the NIH found that people who experience chronic grief for more than 12 months are 30 percent more likely to develop dementia or cognitive impairment due to persistent stress on the brain's memory centers.

The Gut-Brain Connection in Grief

• Grief disrupts gut microbiome balance, leading to digestive issues like nausea, bloating, and appetite changes.

• The gut produces 90 percent of the body’s serotonin, and disruptions increase anxiety, mood swings, and emotional distress.

Emotional and Cognitive Decline Due to Unresolved Grief

• People with unresolved grief are more likely to experience PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.

• Cognitive decline, including brain fog, poor memory, and lack of focus, is commonly reported among long-term grievers.

Final Thoughts: Why Understanding the Science of Grief Matters

• Grief is not just an emotional process. It is a whole-body experience affecting the brain, nervous system, immune function, and overall health.

• Scientific research confirms that grief disrupts neurotransmitter balance, increases inflammation, and weakens cognitive function.

• By understanding the physiological impact of grief, individuals can take proactive steps toward healing.

What Happens to the Brain During Grief? The Neuroscience of Loss

Grief deeply alters brain function, causing significant changes in the areas responsible for emotions, memory, and decision-making. Neurologists have discovered that grief is processed in the same neural pathways that regulate survival instincts, making it one of the most intense emotional and cognitive experiences a person can go through.

The Survival Response: Why Grief Feels Like a Threat

From an evolutionary perspective, the brain interprets loss as a threat to survival. This is why people often feel a mix of fear, confusion, and emotional numbness after experiencing a loss. When someone important is gone, the brain perceives it as a significant change in social structure, triggering a stress response.

Key Brain Regions Involved in Grief

During grief, several parts of the brain work together to process emotions and memories, but their function becomes dysregulated, leading to overwhelming sadness, brain fog, and even depression.

Amygdala (Emotional Processing)

• The amygdala plays a crucial role in recognizing emotions, especially fear, sadness, and distress.

• When grieving, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, amplifying negative emotions and making it difficult to control thoughts.

Prefrontal Cortex (Rational Thinking)

• This area helps regulate emotions and logical thinking.

• During grief, its activity decreases, which explains poor concentration, decision-making difficulties, and lack of motivation.

Hippocampus (Memory & Learning)

• The hippocampus is responsible for storing and recalling memories.

• Prolonged grief reduces hippocampal activity, leading to memory issues and difficulty focusing.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex (Pain Perception)

• This region is involved in processing physical and emotional pain.

• Grief activates the same pain centers as a physical injury, explaining why heartache feels like real, physical pain.

Comparison of Brain Function in Grieving vs. Normal State

 

The Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Why Grief Feels Overwhelming

Grief disrupts key neurotransmitters, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and even depressive symptoms:

• Dopamine Drop → Reduces motivation, leading to fatigue and apathy.

• Serotonin Imbalance → Triggers mood swings, sadness, and emotional instability.

• GABA Dysfunction → Causes emotional numbness and social withdrawal.

This imbalance explains why grieving individuals often experience memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and even personality changes.

How Neurotransmitter Levels Change During Grief

• Dopamine declines by 40% (loss of pleasure, low motivation).

• Serotonin drops by 30% (emotional instability, sadness).

• Cortisol increases by 60% (chronic stress, sleep issues).

Why Grief Can Lead to Depression and Anxiety

For some individuals, grief can turn into clinical depression or Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).

• PGD occurs in 7-10% of bereaved individuals, leading to persistent sadness beyond 12 months.

• MRI studies show people with prolonged grief have abnormal brain activity similar to those with depression.

The Physiological Toll of Grief: How Loss Affects the Body

Grief is not just an emotional experience—it deeply affects the nervous system, immune response, and even cardiovascular health. Many grieving individuals experience unexplained fatigue, chronic pain, appetite changes, and sleep disturbances, all of which can be linked to underlying biological changes.

The Stress Response: How Grief Activates Fight-or-Flight

When we experience loss, the brain perceives it as a threat to survival. This triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls our body's stress response.

• The brain releases cortisol (the primary stress hormone), leading to:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

• Weakened immune function

• Higher risk of inflammation-related diseases

• Prolonged grief keeps cortisol levels elevated, which may lead to chronic anxiety, depression, and nervous system dysregulation.

The Body’s Response to Grief vs. Normal Function

 

Grief and Inflammation: The Silent Killer

Chronic stress from grief leads to inflammation, increasing the risk of diseases like:

• Heart disease (21% increased risk in the first 24 hours after loss)

• Autoimmune disorders (25% higher incidence in grieving individuals)

• Gastrointestinal issues (linked to gut microbiome imbalance)

Scientific Insight: A 2022 study from the NIH found that bereaved individuals had 35% higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than non-grieving participants, increasing their risk of chronic diseases.

Inflammatory Markers in Grieving vs. Non-Grieving People

(To be inserted in the final blog - shows a 30-50% increase in inflammation markers like IL-6 and CRP in grieving individuals)

How Grief Disrupts Sleep and Appetite

• Melatonin suppression leads to insomnia, vivid dreams, and fatigue.

• Appetite changes occur due to serotonin imbalance:

• Some people experience grief anorexia (loss of appetite).

• Others resort to emotional eating, craving sugar and processed foods.

Sleep & Eating Patterns in Different Types of Grievers

Grief and Cognitive Function: Why We Experience Brain Fog

Many grieving individuals report feeling mentally foggy, forgetful, and emotionally overwhelmed—often referred to as "grief brain". This state of cognitive impairment occurs because grief alters brain chemistry and disrupts neural connections involved in memory, focus, and decision-making.

Although grief is an emotional response, it has a profound impact on brain function, neurotransmitter balance, and cognitive processing. Studies show that cortisol overload, caused by stress and emotional distress, damages neurons in the hippocampus, leading to memory issues, brain fog, and reduced concentration.

The Link Between Grief and Memory Loss

One of the most widely observed symptoms of grief is memory impairment. Individuals experiencing grief often struggle to recall names, appointments, and even routine tasks. This occurs because the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory formation and retrieval, shrinks during prolonged grief.

How Grief Impacts Memory and Cognitive Function

• The hippocampus shrinks due to chronic stress, making it harder to store and retrieve memories.

• Grieving individuals have 25 to 30 percent lower memory recall than non-grieving individuals.

• Cortisol overload damages neurons, weakening the ability to concentrate and process new information.

Scientific Study: A study from Harvard Medical School (2023) found that people experiencing grief performed 20 percent worse on cognitive tests compared to those who were not grieving.

Cognitive Functions Affected by Grief

 

These cognitive effects explain why many people in grief feel "mentally drained," struggle with work responsibilities, and have trouble making simple decisions.

Why Grief Leads to Brain Fog and Poor Concentration

Brain fog, a common symptom of grief, can feel like a mental haze that makes it difficult to think clearly, recall information, or stay focused. This occurs due to disruptions in key neurotransmitters that regulate mood, motivation, and mental clarity.

Neurotransmitter Imbalances in Grief

• Serotonin depletion – Leads to mood instability, emotional numbness, and irritability.

• Dopamine drop – Reduces motivation and problem-solving ability, making it difficult to complete daily tasks.

• GABA dysfunction – Increases anxiety and emotional reactivity, making grief harder to manage.

Scientific Insight: A study published in the Journal of Neuropsychology (2022) found that grief-related stress reduced dopamine levels by 35 percent, contributing to mental exhaustion and lack of motivation.

How Cognitive Performance Declines During Grief

Cognitive Decline During Grief

The graph above illustrates how grief affects cognitive performance by reducing memory recall, focus, problem-solving ability, and decision-making skills.

• Memory recall drops by 30 percent, making it harder to remember names, events, and daily tasks.

• Focus and attention decline by nearly 40 percent, leading to increased distractibility.

• Problem-solving ability weakens by 25 percent, affecting work productivity and logical thinking.

• Decision-making ability falls by 43 percent, resulting in impulsive choices and difficulty processing emotions.

These findings reinforce why grieving individuals often feel mentally drained, struggle with concentration, and experience difficulty completing tasks that were once routine.

How Long-Term Grief Can Affect Mental Health

If left unaddressed, prolonged grief can lead to lasting neurological changes that increase the risk of cognitive decline, anxiety disorders, and dementia.

Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Studies show that prolonged grief elevates the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 30 percent, as chronic stress weakens the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center.

A 2023 study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that individuals with chronic grief had significantly lower hippocampal volume, increasing their risk of neurodegenerative diseases later in life.

Higher Risk of Long-Term Depression and PTSD

• Prolonged grief can evolve into depression, where emotional numbness replaces acute sadness.

• Individuals who experience traumatic loss are at a 40 percent higher risk of developing PTSD, especially if grief is unresolved.

Emotional Dysregulation and Increased Anxiety

• Chronic grief weakens the prefrontal cortex, making it harder to regulate emotions and manage stress.

• Anxiety levels remain high, as the brain struggles to reset cortisol production.

• Emotional numbness may develop, leading to avoidance behaviors and social withdrawal.

Coping Mechanisms: How to Rewire the Brain After Grief

Grief is a powerful emotional and physiological response to loss, but the human brain is remarkably resilient. Thanks to neuroplasticity, our brains can heal, adapt, and rewire themselves over time, helping us process loss and regain emotional stability.

While grief may feel permanent and overwhelming, scientific research has shown that intentional coping strategies can help accelerate recovery. Understanding how grief changes brain function and which evidence-based methods promote healing can make a significant difference in the grieving process.

The Role of Neuroplasticity in Healing from Grief

What Is Neuroplasticity & How Does It Help in Grief Recovery?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to form new neural connections and reorganize itself in response to life experiences, learning, and emotional processing. During grief, certain brain regions—such as the amygdala (emotional processing) and the anterior cingulate cortex (pain processing)—become hyperactive, while other regions like the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking) become less active.

If left unchecked, prolonged grief can disrupt these neural pathways, leading to chronic stress, depression, and cognitive decline. However, research shows that the brain can rebuild itself with the right strategies.

How the Brain Heals Itself After Grief

• New experiences and learning encourage the brain to form new neural connections and adapt to the loss.

• Engaging in cognitive activities like reading, problem-solving, or learning a new skill stimulates the prefrontal cortex, counteracting the mental fog associated with grief.

• Social interactions increase oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and feelings of loneliness while promoting emotional bonding.

• Physical activity stimulates neurogenesis, or the growth of new brain cells, improving mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Scientific Fact

A 2021 study from Stanford University found that individuals who actively engaged in cognitive and social activities after grief recovered 40% faster from symptoms of brain fog, emotional numbness, and concentration difficulties compared to those who remained socially withdrawn.

Brain Activity Changes Before and After Grief Therapy

The graph above illustrates how brain activity changes before and after grief therapy.

• Before therapy: The amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) show high activity levels, indicating emotional distress and pain perception. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus show reduced activity, leading to brain fog, emotional instability, and difficulty processing grief.

• After therapy: The amygdala and ACC activity decrease, while the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus activity increase, resulting in better emotional regulation, cognitive clarity, and improved memory function.

This reinforces the importance of therapy and cognitive engagement in rewiring the brain after grief.

The Science of Therapy & Healing

Scientific research highlights several evidence-based coping strategies that help rewire the brain, regulate emotions, and restore cognitive function.

For those struggling with prolonged grief, seeking professional help from the best online psychologist in India can provide personalized guidance and scientifically backed coping strategies to restore emotional and cognitive balance.

Best Evidence-Based Coping Strategies for Grief Recovery

 

How These Strategies Help Rewire the Brain

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy):

• Helps individuals challenge negative thought patterns related to grief.

• Rebuilds emotional resilience by strengthening prefrontal cortex activity.

Mindfulness & Meditation:

• Lowers amygdala hyperactivity, reducing emotional distress and anxiety.

• Increases gray matter density, which supports memory and cognitive function.

Exercise & Physical Activity:

• Enhances dopamine and serotonin production, reducing grief-related fatigue and depression.

• Stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis, improving learning and emotional stability.

Journaling & Expressive Writing:

• Studies show that writing about emotions helps process traumatic memories and enhances cognitive clarity.

• Engaging in self-reflection through writing strengthens prefrontal cortex function, reducing emotional overwhelm.

Social Support & Group Therapy:

• Increases oxytocin production, which fosters a sense of connection and emotional healing.

• People who engage in grief support groups recover 30% faster than those who grieve in isolation (NIH study, 2022).

How Sleep & Diet Can Accelerate Emotional Healing

Grief significantly disrupts sleep patterns and appetite, leading to increased fatigue, brain fog, and emotional instability. Optimizing sleep and nutrition can help regulate the nervous system and support emotional resilience.

Sleep Hygiene Tips for Grieving Individuals

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm.

• Reduce screen time before bed to prevent blue light from suppressing melatonin production.

• Practice relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing) before sleep.

• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which interfere with REM sleep cycles.

Scientific Study: Research from the National Sleep Foundation found that 70-80% of grieving individuals experience sleep disturbances, leading to increased cortisol levels, cognitive decline, and emotional instability.

Nutritional Strategies to Support Brain Function During Grief

 

A balanced diet high in brain-supporting nutrients can counteract the negative effects of grief-related stress and inflammation.

The Future of Grief Research & New Scientific Insights

The study of grief has evolved significantly in recent years, with groundbreaking research uncovering new ways to understand and treat grief. Advances in AI, neuroscience, and therapy techniques are providing innovative approaches to help individuals recover more effectively.

AI & Neuroscience: Can Technology Predict or Help with Grief?

• AI-driven therapy sessions:

• AI-based mental health platforms can provide personalized grief support based on individual coping styles.

• These systems analyze speech patterns, emotions, and facial expressions to detect signs of complicated grief.

• Brain imaging & grief detection:

• Functional MRI scans can identify individuals at risk for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).

• Scientists are working on AI models that predict grief-related depression based on neural activity.

Future Prediction: In the next decade, AI-based therapy models could become widely available, making grief support more accessible worldwide.

New Drug Research for Grief-Related Depression

Although grief is a natural process, some individuals experience severe emotional distress that mimics clinical depression. Recent research explores medications that target grief-related neurotransmitter imbalances.

• Ketamine Therapy:

• Low-dose ketamine has been studied for its ability to rapidly alleviate grief-related depression.

• Clinical trials show ketamine therapy can reduce grief symptoms by 50% in treatment-resistant cases.

• MDMA-Assisted Therapy:

• Originally used for PTSD treatment, MDMA helps regulate serotonin levels, improving emotional resilience.

• Studies suggest MDMA helps grieving individuals process emotions more effectively.

Current & Emerging Treatments for Grief-Related Depression

 

Scientific Fact: A 2023 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that MDMA-assisted therapy led to a 35% faster recovery from Prolonged Grief Disorder compared to traditional therapy alone.

How Genetic Studies Are Uncovering Predispositions to Complicated Grief

Some people experience severe, long-term grief, while others recover faster. Scientists are now studying how genetics influence grief processing.

The Role of the 5-HTTLPR Gene:

• This gene regulates serotonin levels, affecting emotional resilience.
• People with certain variations of 5-HTTLPR are more likely to experience complicated grief.

Ongoing genetic research aims to develop targeted grief therapies that work based on an individual’s genetic makeup.

Conclusion

Grief is not just an emotional experience—it is a neurological, psychological, and physiological response that affects the brain, nervous system, immune function, and even cognitive processing. Understanding the science behind grief helps us make sense of the intense emotions, brain fog, fatigue, and sleep disturbances that accompany loss.

Scientific research has shown that grief triggers changes in neurotransmitter levels, disrupts brain function, and impacts memory and concentration. It also weakens immune function, increases inflammation, and elevates the risk of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. These findings highlight the importance of effective coping mechanisms to facilitate recovery.

• Grief impacts multiple brain regions, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex.

• Neurotransmitter imbalances (dopamine, serotonin, and GABA) cause emotional instability, fatigue, and cognitive issues.

• The nervous system perceives grief as a survival threat, triggering stress hormones (cortisol) that impact the heart and immune system.

• Grief-related inflammation can lead to chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and long-term mental health disorders.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and physical activity play a crucial role in rewiring the brain after grief.

• Innovative research on AI-based therapy, neuroplasticity, and grief-specific medications is shaping the future of grief treatment.

Incorporating evidence-based coping strategies, such as exercise, structured sleep routines, cognitive therapies, and social support, can help regulate brain function and ease the emotional pain of grief. While grief is a deeply personal experience, scientific advancements are shedding light on new ways to navigate loss and rebuild emotional resilience.

The path to healing is not linear, but by understanding the biological and neurological mechanisms of grief, individuals can take proactive steps toward emotional well-being.

FAQs 

1. What happens to the brain when we grieve?

Grief significantly alters brain function, particularly in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. The amygdala (emotional center) becomes hyperactive, intensifying fear, sadness, and anxiety. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex (decision-making) experiences reduced activity, leading to brain fog, confusion, and trouble concentrating. Additionally, the hippocampus (memory processing) shrinks over time, which explains why grieving individuals often struggle with forgetfulness and mental fatigue.

2. How does grief affect the body physically?

Grief has a profound impact on the nervous system, immune function, and cardiovascular health. The body produces excess cortisol, which can lead to:

• Increased heart rate & blood pressure

• Weakened immune system (higher risk of infections)

• Disrupted sleep cycles (insomnia, fatigue, and nightmares)

• Increased inflammation (raising the risk of chronic diseases)

3. Can grief rewire the brain?

Yes, grief can permanently alter brain structure if prolonged. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt over time, but long-term grief can result in:

• Decreased gray matter in the hippocampus (memory loss)

• Weakened connections in the prefrontal cortex (poor emotional regulation)

• Overactive amygdala function (increased stress and anxiety responses)

Scientific Study: Research from the University of California found that people experiencing prolonged grief had abnormal patterns of brain activity similar to those with major depressive disorder.

4. Why do people feel physically sick when grieving?

Grief activates the nervous system, leading to increased inflammation, muscle pain, headaches, digestive issues, and weakened immunity. This happens because:

• The gut-brain axis is affected, causing nausea, bloating, or appetite loss.

• High cortisol levels weaken the immune system, making people more prone to flu-like symptoms.

• Grief disrupts the autonomic nervous system, leading to heart palpitations, fatigue, and tension headaches.

5. What are the long-term effects of grief on mental health?

Prolonged grief can lead to mental health disorders, including:

• Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): Persistent sadness lasting beyond 12 months

• Depression and anxiety disorders: Linked to neurotransmitter imbalances

• Increased risk of PTSD: Especially in cases of sudden or traumatic loss

• Cognitive decline: Long-term stress exposure has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease

6. How do you heal the brain after grief?

Healing from grief requires retraining the brain through neuroplasticity. Science-backed methods include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps regulate emotional responses

• Mindfulness & Meditation: Reduces overactive amygdala responses

• Exercise: Increases dopamine and serotonin for emotional balance

• Social Connection: Increases oxytocin levels to counteract loneliness

• Adequate Sleep & Nutrition: Supports brain function and reduces stress hormones

7. What is the difference between grief and depression?

 

Final Thoughts

This article provides a scientific and research-backed exploration of how grief impacts the brain, body, and mental health. Understanding the biological mechanisms behind grief allows individuals to develop coping strategies that promote healing.

• If you or someone you know is struggling with prolonged grief, seeking professional support is essential.

• Therapies like CBT, meditation, and social engagement can accelerate recovery.

• Ongoing research continues to provide innovative solutions for managing grief and its long-term effects.

About the Author

Dr. Roshni is a Senior Psychologist at Click2Pro, specializing in grief counselling, emotional resilience, and mental health recovery. With over 15 years of experience, she integrates neuroscience-backed strategies and evidence-based therapies like CBT and trauma-informed care to help individuals navigate grief and emotional challenges.

A Ph.D. holder in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Roshni has been featured in leading mental health journals and has spoken at national and international conferences on the impact of grief on brain function and overall well-being. She is dedicated to breaking the stigma around grief and providing practical, science-driven solutions for healing.