

What happens in the brain when we grieve
Nov 8, 2021
Mary-Frances O'Connor, a psychologist and author of "The Grieving Brain," discusses the intricate relationship between grief and the brain. She explains how our identity shifts after loss, and addresses the tricky nuances of prolonged grief disorder. O'Connor highlights the brain's struggle to adapt, revealing how memories of loved ones can activate reward centers. She also dives into the unique challenges posed by grief during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of community support for healing.
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Grief vs. Grieving
- Grief is the emotional state that knocks you off your feet.
- Grieving is the process of adapting to the absence of a loved one.
Loss and Identity
- Our sense of self is intertwined with our loved ones.
- Losing someone feels like losing a part of ourselves, reflected in brain encoding.
Grief Duration
- Grief doesn't have a fixed timeline and becomes part of who you are.
- Prolonged grief disorder, affecting a small percentage, hinders daily functioning.