(TURKISH JOURNAL) – Psychologist Gamze Sen – Loss is one of life’s inevitable experiences, and the grief that follows creates a profound emptiness within us. Losing a loved one often stirs complex emotions that are difficult to express in words. However, grief is not solely a reflection of our psyche—it is deeply intertwined with our bodies as well. Understanding this connection between body and mind during moments of loss and trauma opens a crucial pathway for healing.
Professor George A. Bonanno has discovered that grief does not manifest uniformly in
everyone; rather, it presents through a variety of responses. His research identifies four main patterns of grief reactions: resilience, recovery, chronic dysfunction, and delayed grief. Remarkably, many individuals exhibit resilience, remaining psychologically and physically strong even after experiencing trauma and loss. This resilience reveals not only the strength of our spirit but also the intricate defense and adaptation mechanisms of our bodies.
Our bodies carry the physical traces of pain and trauma. Our heart rates accelerate, muscles tense, and breathing patterns shift—all synchronously with our mental experiences. The balance between our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems becomes disrupted during trauma and must be restored during recovery. Therefore, understanding this complex interplay within the body is essential; addressing only mental recovery is incomplete.
Another critical aspect highlighted by Professor Bonanno is the role of social connections in
healing. Grief and trauma are not only individual experiences but also social ones. Support from family, friends, and the community helps restore the unity between body and mind throughout the healing process. As social beings, sharing our pain and grief strengthens our inner resilience.
Amidst the difficulties of loss and trauma lies hope. Although the course of grief varies from person to person, the harmony between body and mind demonstrates that healing is possible. Resilience is not just a mental strength—it is a miraculous collaboration of body and mind.
In conclusion, the experience of loss and grief is an inseparable unity of body and mind.
Understanding and nurturing this wholeness is essential not only for personal recovery but also for societal well-being. Listening to our body’s responses alongside our emotional pain opens the door to true healing.
