A breakup, typically characterized as a psychological issue, is also physiologically traumatic event. Grief is a common emotional response to death as well as the ending of a meaningful relationship.
The relationship rupture affects the limbic system more than any other system. Since the limbic system controls emotion, physical emotional reactions can lead to a full-system somatic shock. Cardiovascular function, hormone levels, and immune response are all disrupted leading to possible disease.
Relationship rupture is a severe bodily strain… Prolonged separation affects more than feelings. A number of somatic parameters go haywire in despair. Because separation deranges the body, losing relationships can cause physical illness.
This makes sense given how important relationships are to our health.