What normal phenomena of mourning is exemplified by a patient reporting discomfort in the epigastric region after their loss?

The phenomenon described, where a patient reports discomfort in the epigastric region following a loss, is characteristic of somatic distress. This refers to physical symptoms that arise from emotional or psychological factors, often manifesting in ways that might not have an obvious medical cause.

In the context of mourning and grief, it is common for individuals to experience various physical symptoms as they process their emotions. The body can respond to intense feelings of sadness, loss, and stress in ways such as gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, or fatigue. This highlights the mind-body connection, where emotional pain often translates into physical sensations.

Somatic distress is particularly relevant during periods of acute grief, as individuals may find that their emotional strain is expressed through bodily symptoms. While acute grief reaction signifies the initial overwhelming feelings of sorrow experienced immediately following a loss, somatic distress encapsulates the physiological repercussions of that grief.

Prolonged grief disorder and post-traumatic stress response involve more complex psychological responses that may not directly focus on the physical manifestations of mourning. Prolonged grief indicates a chronic state of mourning that is sustained over time, while post-traumatic stress response typically arises from traumatic experiences and involves specific symptoms such as flashbacks or severe anxiety.

In this case, the discomfort