Life Kit What happens in our brain when we grieve — and how it helps us stay afloat
5 snips
Dec 18, 2021 
Psychologist Mary-Frances O'Connor, author of "The Grieving Brain," shares insights on how our brains process grief as a learning and healing opportunity. She discusses the emotional chaos of loss, using vivid analogies to articulate the feelings that arise. O'Connor explains how grief affects identity and contrasts normal grieving with prolonged grief disorder. She also addresses the unique challenges faced by those mourning during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting personal loss to broader historical experiences.
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Grief's Impact
- Grief is like a sudden increase in volume, intensifying emotions.
- The grieving process varies greatly among individuals.
Loss and Identity
- Our sense of self is intertwined with our loved ones.
- Losing someone forces us to relearn how to navigate the world.
Grief as Learning
- Grieving is a form of learning, requiring constant mental processing.
- Our brains adapt to the absence of a loved one.
