Most people are going to want to skip this episode.

I get it—grief is uncomfortable. It’s messy. It brings up stuff we’d rather avoid.

But if you want to develop strong relationship skills—if you want to be the kind of person who shows up when it matters—this is mandatory listening.

We don’t talk about grief until we have to. And even then, most of us don’t know what to do. Do we check in? Give space? Bring up the loss—or avoid it altogether?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, author of The Grieving Brain and The Grieving Body. She’s one of the world’s leading grief researchers, and she’s here to help us understand what actually helps when someone we love is hurting.

We talk about what grief does to the brain and body, why so many of us disappear during someone else’s grief, and how to show up better—even when you don’t know what to say.

This conversation might challenge you—but it’ll make you a better partner, friend, and human. 

Xxoo Darcy

REFERENCES

Mindful Care

Finding The Words Colin Campbell

The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss

The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robin Jaenchen.

DISCLAIMER

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Watch this episode here on YouTube.