Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Study: Intense Grief After Loss Linked to Higher Risk of Death
Losing someone you love can be incredibly painful, but new research shows it can also be dangerous.
A study in Denmark followed people for 10 years after they lost someone close to them.
They found that those who experienced the most intense and long-lasting grief were much more likely to die during that time.
This intense grief can trigger physical problems, like heart issues, and make existing health problems worse.
It's like your body is under constant stress, which can wear it down.
The study also suggests that getting help, like therapy, could be beneficial for those struggling with severe grief.
A 10-year Danish study found severe grief after losing a loved one increases the risk of death.
Researchers identified five grief patterns, with those in the 'high grief' group facing the gravest risks.
26.5% of the 'high grief' group died within 10 years, compared to 7.3% in the lowest grief group.
Persistent grief is linked to higher antidepressant prescriptions and increased use of mental health services.
Grief can trigger physical consequences like heart issues, elevated blood pressure, and a weakened immune system.
- Who
- Researchers studied 1,735 bereaved individuals.
- What
- A study found a link between severe grief and increased mortality risk.
- When
- The study tracked participants over a 10-year period, starting in 2012.
- Where
- The research was conducted in Denmark.
- Why
- To investigate the long-term health effects of grief after the loss of a loved one.
Those Experiencing Severe Grief
Those Experiencing Mild Grief
Mortality Risk
Those Experiencing Severe Grief
High risk of mortality.
Those Experiencing Mild Grief
Lower risk of mortality
- Study Duration
- 10 years
- Participants
- 1,735
- High Grief Mortality Rate
- 26.5%
- Lowest Grief Mortality Rate
- 7.3%
- Main Finding
- Severe grief increases mortality risk.