Continuing on from Part 1, Bianca discusses the importance of understanding, connection, and finding one's purpose in the aftermath of grief. James shares his coping mechanisms, primarily through physical exertion and running, finding solace in pushing his physical limits. The episode underscores the non-linear nature of grief, emphasizing that everyone experiences and copes with loss differently. The couple also talks about supportive therapies, including counseling, massage, yoga, and maintaining strong personal connections, as they navigate through their emotions. Reflecting on the different coping strategies they used, the episode provides insights into how individuals and couples can support each other through the complex journey of grief. The conversation is enriched by the expertise of Dr. Mai Frandsen, who offers psychological perspectives on coping and healing.

Music: “Denali” by Bryant Lowry.

Written by Bryant Richard Lowry (BMI).

Published by Boss Soundstripe Productions (BMI).

Licensed via Soundstripe Inc.

Cover Image: Eden Wilday (edenwilday.com)

Follow: @fromexperience_ or @biancaleewelsh

Resources

Through the Unexpected - information and a list of support options for parents faced with prenatal diagnosis.

Pink Elephants Support Network - offers online grief support and information for miscarriage.

Red Nose or SANDS offers 24/7 telephone grief support on 1300 308 307

Bears of Hope - offers grief support on 1300 11 HOPE or via email: [email protected]

TFMR Mamas - a resource and community for the TFMR community

**All of the above have specific TFMR pages

PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia - supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood - or 1300 726 306.

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Heartfelt - volunteer organisation providing professional photographers to families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child living with serious or life threatening illness.

For the Dads! Red Nose service specifically for Dad’s. Love From Dad - a website and instagram account for bereaved Dads.

Other things mentioned in this episode

The amazing physiotherapist Michaela Muldoon who treated us with a trauma lens - Restore Physio (Launceston)

Mountain Biking Experience - Blue Derby Pods

Meal Train our friends setup - it’s amazing, we would get a notification of what was coming and it gave those that wanted to be a part of it the ability to see what others were cooking so we didn’t end up with a 1000 lasagnes.

The Ring Theory of Grief an article from Psychology Today but also helpful to understand just from this image.

Nick Cave’s Letter to a fellow griever.

The Image of the hole of grief, but how we grow around it.

Point to Pinnacle - the world’s toughest half marathon and the physical feat that I would say changed my life, always held in November in Hobart, Tasmania.

Linden Cook impression range - the footprint ring James has and I have a necklace.

Sarah and Sebastian - birthstone range, I have Herb and both our living children’s birthstone on a bracelet (conveniently both my living children are born in the same month).

Breathwork: unfortunately nothing regular in Launceston, but hopefully that will change! For Hobartians - Alchemy Performance, Embodied Living, and Hobart Breathing Space. Based in Melbourne by they have an App - Breath Haus. And The Lily Flower by Priyanka Saha, she is a loss mum and has just begun healing and somatic healing through breathwork with an online guide.

For a comprehensive list of other resources please see fromexperience.co.

00:00 Introduction to the Grief Collection Podcast

01:25 The Universality of Grief

02:14 Acknowledging Sensitive Topics

03:28 James's Journey Through Grief

07:47 Therapeutic Activities and Coping Mechanisms

26:57 The Role of Community and Support

31:27 Navigating Work and Social Expectations

37:37 Reflecting on Personal Changes and Acceptance

52:09 Navigating Guilt and Trauma

53:09 Protective Instincts and Coping Mechanisms

56:07 Finding Solace in Connection

01:03:20 Physical Activities as Therapy

01:12:45 Commemorating and Remembering

01:16:56 The Loneliness of Grief

01:27:56 The Healing Power of a New Life

01:33:11 Exploring Breath Work and Medium Sessions

01:35:44 The Role of Structure and Relationship in Coping

01:36:52 Introducing Dr. Mai Fransden

01:38:20 Discussing Grief and Coping Mechanisms

02:01:39 The Importance of Space and Support

02:17:02 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements