Mary Frances O’Connor: The Grieving Brain

Have you considered the impact of grief on your brain? It is time that you did! Join Dr’s Gloria and Dr. Heidi Horsley and their guest Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor for a discussion of the effects of grief on the brain and body. She is the author of the Grieving Brain.

[candyandgonzales]

Four yrs since I lost my son and 6 months ago lost my husband of 60 yr. My brain is all over the place. My heart hurts when I think of my son. I miss my husband so much. “We” is engraved in my brain. At 81 and ill, I knew intellectually knew it was his time. Emotionally, I am a mess. My brain will not allow me to bring intellect and emotions together.

[ML-HS]

Fifth section is exactly what I needed. I lost my brother 5 months ago and everything said is exactly how I feel about this whole situation. I really thought he will grow old with me. I am worried about my own life. About everything. My grief counseling sessions don't give much fruit so far. I would appreciate more on sibling loss. Most just glaze over this type of loss.

[juliegallagher]

Thank you for this. I lost my husband 3 years ago and it is very helpful realizing what I've been through was normal and expected.

[victoriaquillin]

My second husband died seven months ago, my first husband died 24 years ago, our middle son 25 years ago and our oldest son was diagnosed with a stage 4 melanoma he survived all this was in 2 years. I was married to my first husband for 30 years, my second for 21 years. I'm a a mess ! I've been so many people, I'm 71 and have no idea who I'm going to be..?

[amarilisortiz]

this is great material to work with the patients, thank you very much.

[parrismg]

A question I would have liked to hear is, when your brain is rewiring, does it remove those neurons? Or do they just dull over time? I’m scared of forgetting things.

[mariaearthangel]

You shouldn't have to bury your child.
Whether you lived close or far and haven't seen them often for years.
Your child and spouse are very close soul ties.

Your soul has traumas, too, not only your brain.

Blood is thicker than water, so losing your child is horrific.

[dawn]

I would love to hear your thoughts on grieving “parents” who are still alive, but are estranged because they present as narcissists and don’t take any accountability to your reality and the abuse you and your siblings incurred through a lifetime, how they enabled each other’s dysfunction over the decades, and how they continue to manipulate their grandchildren, my children, by supporting the son in law who is also mentally unstable.

[ElenoraEsquivel-qenm]

Lost my daughter 02/05/2024 due to family violence 💔