In this heartfelt episode, we explore the journey through anhedonia (emotional numbness), depression, and the feeling of being disconnected from yourself, shedding light on feelings of emptiness and emotional numbness. If you’re struggling with mental health, know you're not alone; we offer grief advice and practical steps on how to feel emotions again. Tune in for insights and support! In this episode of Real Talk, Real Change, Tonya Reese delves into the profound effects of loss on personal identity. She opens up about losing her entire immediate family and the deep loneliness that followed—loneliness not just of missing people, but of missing pieces of herself. Tonya shares how loss rearranged her identity, pushing her into survival mode and leaving her functioning through life while emotionally disconnected. Through transparent storytelling, she explores how childhood instability, painful experiences, and performing in relationships shaped her sense of self in ways she did not recognize at the time. As Tonya walks listeners through her journey, she unpacks the reality that loss is not only emotional, it is identity-shattering. Some losses take more than people; they take your history, your belongings, your sense of home, and the versions of yourself you once knew. But in the middle of that brokenness, Tonya reveals how God began to rebuild her piece by piece, reminding her that identity in Christ is the only identity that cannot be shaken by grief, abandonment, or trauma. This episode is an invitation to every woman who has survived on autopilot, performed for love, or lost parts of herself in the process. It is a reminder that even in the deepest loss, God is restoring every single piece of who you are. You are not just surviving—you are becoming. Loss is not just sadness; it rearranges you. Some losses take pieces of who you used to be. Family holds your identity and history. Survival became my personality out of necessity. I learned to function dysfunctionally after my losses. I didn't know how to receive love or trust it. I was performing instead of connecting in relationships. In the depths of loss, God began to rebuild me. Embracing identity in Christ is crucial for healing. God is restoring every single piece of who I am. When Loss Takes More Than People: Rediscovering Identity After Grief. "Loss rearranges you." "God began to rebuild me." "We rise from our story."

Timestamps/Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Loss on Identity

02:04 Personal Stories of Loss and Loneliness

07:42 Rediscovering Self Beyond Survival

10:21 Embracing Identity in Christ

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