Mariam Ernest
Mariam Ernest
Episode #31 - The Grieving Brain - With a Neuroscientist and Clinical Psychologist Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor
Episode #31 - The Grieving Brain - With a Neuroscientist and Clinical Psychologist Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor
Episode #31 - The Grieving Brain - With a Neuroscientist and Clinical Psychologist Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor
Monday 14th March 2022
Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor discusses how grief impacts the brain and body, offering strategies for resilience on 'Mending Bonds'.
58 minutes
Informative
Empowering
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Author:
Mariam Ernest
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Recovery from Trauma
Family Recovery from Addiction
Mindful Recovery
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Financial Health in Recovery
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Get the buttons here!The Science of Grief: Insights from Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor
So I think you know, it is often the case that a person dies when they are alone in the room, and I don't know if you know there may be something where it is too difficult to let go while loved ones are around.
Grief can feel like an emotional labyrinth, and understanding its impact on our minds and bodies can be the first step towards healing. In this episode of 'Mending Bonds', host Mariam Ernest welcomes Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor, a leading neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, to shed light on the intricate workings of the grieving brain.
Dr O'Connor, who heads the Grief, Loss, and Social Stress Lab at the University of Arizona, dives deep into why grief triggers such a complex array of emotions—from sadness and anger to guilt and yearning. For those who have faced the heartache of losing a loved one or the ambiguous loss of family estrangement, Dr O'Connor offers invaluable insights. She discusses how our brains process grief, why it often feels never-ending, and the difference between normal and complicated grief.
Her research, featured in top publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, uncovers the role of oxytocin in human relationships and how it affects our grieving process. Listeners will also learn practical strategies for building resilience and maintaining a positive mindset during these challenging times.
As Dr O'Connor poignantly puts it, "It's about having that mental cushion or toolbox to help us transition from one emotional state to another because grief is inevitable." Whether you're grappling with fresh loss or lingering sorrow, this episode offers a blend of scientific understanding and compassionate advice to help you navigate your journey through grief. Tune in to hear Dr O'Connor's expert perspective and find some solace and strength in her words.