Mary-Frances O'Connor

Dr. Mary Francis O’Connor, author of 'The Grieving Brain' and 'The Grieving Body,' dives into the profound effects of grief on both the mind and body. She discusses innovative concepts like 'mental mapping' and the importance of physical health during mourning. O’Connor offers insights on transforming emotional pain into resilience and emphasizes the need for support in navigating loss. The conversation also touches on practical ways to embrace spiritual gifts and the 'law of divine overflow,' encouraging listeners to cultivate abundance and connection with their higher selves.

Mary Frances O'Connor, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona, offers compelling insights into how grief affects both the mind and body. She discusses the startling link between profound loss and serious health risks, including heart attacks and immune system issues. O'Connor argues for a shift in how society and healthcare view grief, advocating for grief as a medical concern that requires careful attention. Drawing from personal experience, she highlights the need for better support systems and coping strategies for those navigating the complex terrain of loss.

Neuroscientist Mary-Frances O'Connor discusses the neurological aspects of grief, explaining how the brain processes loss. She highlights the importance of social support and offers coping strategies. The episode explores the emotional journey of grief and the concept of post-traumatic growth.

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.

Mary-Frances O’Connor, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, dives into the profound connection between grief and our physical health. She highlights how loss can alter vital health markers like blood pressure and heart rate, showcasing the body's response to emotional turmoil. O'Connor emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions during mourning and explores effective coping strategies. Ultimately, she reveals how the stress of loss can also present opportunities for healing, helping us navigate our grief with a deeper understanding.

Mary-Frances O'Connor, a clinical psychology and psychiatry professor at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Body, reveals how grief profoundly impacts both mind and body. She discusses the startling statistics showing heightened risks of heart attack and stroke following the loss of a loved one. O'Connor emphasizes the link between emotional pain and physical health, explaining how grief can lead to increased inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system. She advocates for understanding grief as a natural process requiring self-compassion.

Mary Frances O'Connor, a Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, dives into the intricate relationship between grief and physical health. She reveals how intense grief can strain the cardiovascular system, especially in men, and discusses mindfulness techniques that can aid healing. The conversation also addresses the critical need for better support systems in the medical field for those navigating loss, highlighting the benefits of social connections and ongoing research in grief interventions.

In this fascinating discussion, Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, a renowned neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, delves into the complexities of grief. She challenges the outdated five stages model, emphasizing that grief is a unique journey for each person. The conversation explores how our brains process grief, the importance of attachment, and the role of spirituality in coping with loss. Dr. O'Connor also highlights the significance of self-compassion as we navigate our emotional responses, advocating for a more personalized understanding of grief.

Mary-Frances O’Connor, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and author of "The Grieving Brain," shares her insights on grief stemming from various forms of loss. She differentiates between grief and mourning while discussing how her Buddhist practice shapes her view on grief's impermanence. O’Connor emphasizes the importance of diverse coping strategies and explores prolonged grief disorder, especially relevant during the pandemic. Her reflections reveal grief as a profound teacher of empathy and resilience.

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.