This week, we're joined by Sophia Bylsma as she shares her story about losing her mom to a neurodegenerative illness similar to ALS. She had a very unique experience where her mom chose to partake in the medical aid in dying process (formally known as physician-assisted suicide), which is only legal in a handful of states here in the U.S. This option allows those diagnosed with a terminal illness to have a say in the way they die, allowing them to take back some control in an uncontrollable situation. Also discussed in this episode are death doulas and alternative options to traditional funerals including green burials. 

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!! https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

World Mental Health Day is October 10th according to the World Health Organization. In honor of that, we dedicated this week's episode to mental health struggles through the lens of grief. For those of us who experience mental health struggles, we know how it feels to live in an unequal world. There is often a stigma and shame when it comes to mental illnesses. This episode is our attempt to normalize talking about the hard stuff. In this episode, we cover how grief changed our journey with mental health, how COVID-19 impacted mental health, derealization & depersonalization, and struggling with anxiety & depression. Lastly, we talk about the difference between suicidal ideation and thoughts and speak from the heart about wanting to end the pain. 

Our goal is to normalize asking for help, going to therapy, having bad days (not everyday can be great), showing emotions, taking a break/not pushing your limits, not being ok (knowing it'll pass or come in waves), speaking up and telling people about your grief/depression/suicidal thoughts. 

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts please call the Suicide and Crisis line 988 OR 1-800-273-8255 is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text “TALK” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, a trained crisis counselor will receive it and respond within minutes.

Health Care

Podcasts

Click the link below for more Grief Uncensored resources including our Facebook group for other young adults grieving a significant loss:

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

Being in a committed relationship while grieving isn’t for the weak. There are countless struggles couples have to endure. It’s possible that grief has affected your connection in a negative way, causing conflict. Or, it can bring a couple closer through trust. For the griever, feelings of guilt often rise from feeling depressed too often, trauma dumping, asking “too much” from their partner, etc.

This week, we’re here to break down these ideas with none other than the amazing Carson Drain (@carryonwithcarson on Instagram and TikTok). Alongside Carson, we share details about our experiences being in committed partnerships while our lives got torn apart.

We change too much in grief, and our partner is a big part of the journey. How can we navigate loving and supporting our partner if our cup is so empty? Join us for all things love and loss this week.

Carson Drain: https://linktr.ee/carsoncdrain

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!! 

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

How the f*** are we supposed to “go back to normal” after we have just experienced a life-changing loss? Our world stops yet, time keeps ticking away. The world keeps going on without us as we watch from the sidelines. Grievers are asked TOO often to put on a mask for the outside world and pretend everything is ok. Know that it’s normal to feel like a zombie or to numb-out on auto-pilot. 

In this episode, we layout all the difficulties of having to go back to normal after the initial loss and provide 5 different tools to add to your “going back to normal” toolbox: 

1. Be transparent with people who can be on your side.

2. Protect your peace by having a list of pre-written responses you can “copy and paste” when people ask you questions that are inconsiderate or ignorant. 

3. Find how YOU like to self soothe: walks, yoga, etc. 

4. Don’t feel guilty for choosing you & speaking your truth. 

5. KNOW YOUR WORTH & that you deserve grace & space to heal. 

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!! https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

This week, we had the pleasure of talking with soul-led RD and co-host of her own podcast (the Michelle and Lucy Show), Michelle Caravella. Having lost her dad to cancer, together we talked about anticipatory grief and the difficulties behind having to grieve someone while they're still alive. Anticipatory grief is grief that occurs before the death or loss, and it's just as complicated and confusing as you would think. It's often referred to as the "in-between place" as you face this reality of losing your loved one while trying to find the balance between holding on to hope and letting go. It commonly leaves one feeling completely helpless. Join us for another vulnerable conversation. 

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!!!

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast 

Michelle Caravella 

Instagram: michelle_caravella

Another life talk with your hosts, Julia and Yako. In this episode, we’re just catching up about all that’s happened since Season 1. We talk about the ever-changing nature of being in your 20’s while simultaneously dealing with the crushing weight of grief. Julia talks about moving to a new city and starting a new life, and Yako talks about visiting home and transitioning into adulthood. Also, we dive into how to deal with disappointment when people in your life fail to show up for you.   

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube! Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to participate in our "Feature Your Loved One" series on Instagram? CLICK THE LINK BELOW!!   https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

Welcome to Season 2 of Grief Uncensored! We’re back with more tears, more laughs, and some amazing new guests! This week, we’re with our friend, Tessa Thompson, who shares her story about losing her dad to cancer at the age of 12. Join us as we talk with her about grieving at such a young age and how grief changes over time. Stay tuned for more and the rest of Season 2! 

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast