Teresa Giudice has opened up about the emotional struggles her daughter, Milania Giudice, has faced after losing two close friends, describing the 20-year-old as having experienced 'significant psychological trauma'.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star said Milania had experienced 'tremendous heartbreak' following the deaths and asked the public to give her daughter privacy and compassion while she heals.

Teresa did not provide a medical diagnosis for her daughter. However, her comments highlight how profoundly grief can affect emotional and physical well-being.

What Happens to the Brain During Grief?

Grief is a natural response to losing someone we are deeply attached to, but it can affect much more than mood. The National Institutes of Health notes that grief can cause distress and longing, while physical symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, appetite changes, and problems sleeping.

Grief can affect emotions, memories and concentration, contributing to intense yearning, confusion and difficulty focusing on everyday tasks.

The American Psychological Association also notes that grief can involve anxiety, physiological distress, and persistent thoughts about the loss.

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Why Can Grief Feel So Overwhelming?

Losing someone can trigger a stress response, which may affect sleep, appetite, concentration and emotional well-being.

Research has also found associations between intense grief and the body's inflammatory response to stress. In one study of 111 recently bereaved older adults, people with higher grief symptoms had a 19% greater increase in the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 per hour following an acute stressor than those with lower grief symptoms.

That does not mean grief inevitably causes illness. Rather, the findings suggest that severe grief can be associated with measurable changes in the body's inflammatory response to stress.

Can Grief Affect Memory and Concentration?

Yes. Difficulty concentrating or experiencing 'brain fog' can occur during bereavement. The NIH Clinical Center lists confusion, difficulty concentrating, and preoccupation with thoughts among possible cognitive reactions to grief.

Sleep disruption can make these problems more noticeable. The NIH notes that sleep supports brain health and helps people process emotions and memories, making healthy sleep routines an important part of coping with loss.

Does Everyone Experience Grief in the Same Way?

No. There is no single timetable or predictable sequence that everyone follows. The APA says grief is not a linear process, meaning people may move back and forth between different emotions rather than progressing through fixed stages. The experience can also vary according to factors including age, culture, relationships, and the circumstances surrounding the loss.

For some people, grief gradually becomes less intense over time. For others, symptoms can remain severe enough to interfere with everyday life and may require professional support.

When Can Grief Benefit From Professional Help?

Persistent difficulty functioning, severe anxiety or depression, significant sleep or appetite changes, social withdrawal, or thoughts of self-harm may be signs that professional support could help.

Supporting someone through grief does not mean expecting them to 'move on' quickly. Maintaining social connections, regular meals, physical activity, and healthy sleep routines can provide structure while a person processes the loss.

For Milania, Teresa said her focus is on ensuring her daughter is surrounded by 'love, family, support, and the care she needs'. She also asked the public to allow her daughter the privacy and space to heal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What physical symptoms can grief cause?
    Grief can cause fatigue, headaches, appetite changes and sleep problems, as well as emotional distress and longing.
  • Can grief affect memory and concentration?
    Yes. Bereavement can lead to confusion, difficulty concentrating and preoccupation with thoughts about the loss. Sleep disruption may make these problems more noticeable.
  • Does everyone experience grief in the same way?
    No. Grief is not a linear process, and its intensity and course can vary depending on factors such as age, culture, relationships and the circumstances of the loss.
  • When should someone seek professional help for grief?
    Professional help may be needed when grief causes persistent difficulty functioning, severe anxiety or depression, major sleep or appetite changes, social withdrawal or thoughts of self-harm.
  • What can help someone cope with grief?
    Maintaining social connections, eating regular meals, staying physically active and keeping healthy sleep routines can provide structure while a person processes the loss.