It’s a familiar scene in movies and TV shows: a character receives shocking news, clutches their chest, and collapses. Many of us have seen memes featuring veteran actor Prabir Mitra, humorously depicting him having multiple heart attacks after hearing bad news in various scenes. But is there any truth to the notion that sudden, intense emotional shock from bad news can lead to death or serious physical harm?
Why Does This Happen?
The reaction we experience after receiving unexpected bad news is generally referred to as “emotional shock.” According to American clinical psychologist Animi Daramus, “Unexpected events disrupt the normal functioning of both the body and mind, causing what is called emotional shock.” Events like the sudden death of a loved one, the loss of valuable property, a serious diagnosis of an illness, or facing a major crisis can trigger such emotional shocks. These events, especially when the person is unprepared, lead to an intense mental and emotional reaction, often accompanied by physical symptoms.
Physically, one may experience cold hands and feet, excessive sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness, difficulty standing, inability to speak, shortness of breath, dry mouth, and a sense of tightness in the throat. However, not everyone reacts the same way, and not all symptoms appear in every individual. These responses depend on a person’s mental makeup and personality.
What Do Experts Say?
Can emotional shock actually cause death? Extensive research has been conducted on this topic. In a study from four decades ago, American researcher J.A.H. Davis investigated 170 cases of sudden death and found that 27% of the deaths were related to sudden emotional trauma or unexpected negative events. In 2005, Dr. Ilan published a paper in The New England Journal of Medicine describing 19 cases where intense emotional trauma led to heart issues, which he termed “Broken Heart Syndrome.” Although immediate death was not always the result, the risk of long-term heart disease increased. Still, no study has conclusively proven that emotional trauma is the sole cause of sudden death.
Typically, when we receive unexpected bad news, we experience acute stress, which can trigger various physical reactions. Stress hormones, which are harmful to the heart, are released during such times. Individuals who are already physically vulnerable—those with pre-existing heart conditions or a weak constitution—are at higher risk for severe complications, including death. However, the dramatic portrayals in films where bad news instantly causes death are not universally applicable.
Building Resilience
While emotional shocks can’t always be avoided, building resilience is crucial for reducing their harmful effects. Here are some steps you can take to strengthen your emotional well-being:
- Social support: Maintain strong relationships with supportive friends and family.
- Sleep routine: Ensure you get adequate sleep at night and stay active during the day.
- Healthy diet: Follow a nutritious eating schedule.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity helps manage stress.
- Problem-solving: Face problems head-on instead of avoiding them.
- Me-time: Allow yourself some personal time to relax.
- Alternative thinking: Try to view situations from different perspectives.
- Healthy entertainment: Engage in enjoyable, relaxing activities during your free time.
What to Do After Sudden Bad News
If you do face a sudden emotional shock, here are some immediate steps to manage the situation:
- Allow yourself time to calm down.
- Surround yourself with friends and family.
- Continue eating and drinking enough water, even in times of intense grief.
- Religious or spiritual practices may help alleviate emotional pain.
- Meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques can ease mental pressure.
- Take a break from work if necessary—it’s normal to struggle with daily tasks after a shock.
- If you have chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, ensure they remain well-controlled, and don’t miss any prescribed medications.
- Consult a doctor for a routine checkup if needed.
- If the emotional pressure is overwhelming and you can’t control your thoughts or behaviour, seek help from a mental health professional.
Friends and family also have a role to play during such times. It’s essential to not only offer comfort but also be physically present. Sometimes, too much sympathy can weaken the person further, so try to express empathy. Before delivering bad news, assess the individual’s physical and mental state and avoid sudden announcements. Instead, build a supportive environment before sharing the news, and allow them time to process and react. If the reaction is extreme, seek appropriate medical attention.
