50. Grief and Neurodivergence: From Infertility & Identity Loss to Losing a Parent with Katrina Shaw

In this episode, Johanna and Katrina delve into the intersection of grief and ADHD + Autism, exploring how neurodivergence can impact the grieving process. Katrina shares her personal journey with loss, including the death of her mother at a young age and her experiences with infertility and miscarriage. They discuss the importance of finding healthy ways to grieve, the duality of emotions, their thoughts on the stages of grief, and the significance of connection and support in navigating grief. Katrina emphasises that grief is not a linear process and can coexist with joy, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in both personal and shared experiences of loss.

📍 Where to Find Us

• 🎙 Host: Johanna Badenhorst – ADHD Coach & Podcast Host🌐 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.adhdherway.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

  🛒 ADHD tools + guides: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠

  📧 Contact: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠

  📱 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@adhdwithjohannab⁠⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  👩‍🍼 Guest: Katrina Shaw

  🌐 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.grief-talks.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Instagram: ⁠@grief-talks ⁠

  
  

  🧠 Helpful Links & Support Services

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. These supports can help:

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): ⁠⁠⁠panda.org.au⁠⁠⁠ | Helpline: 1300 726 306

• COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence): ⁠⁠⁠cope.org.au⁠⁠⁠

• Lifeline Australia (24/7 crisis support): ⁠⁠⁠lifeline.org.au⁠⁠⁠ | 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue: ⁠⁠⁠beyondblue.org.au⁠⁠⁠ | 1300 22 4636

• Griefline — offers free, confidential support — call 1300 845 745, 8am to 8pm (AEST), 7 days a week.
• Pink Elephants Support Network: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/

Takeaways

• Grief is a universal experience that can be empowering.
• Neurodiversity affects how individuals process grief.
• Support and connection are crucial during times of loss.
• Grief can coexist with joy and happiness.
• There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
• Anticipatory grief can be just as intense as the actual loss.
• Finding healthy coping mechanisms is essential.
• The dual process model of grief allows for reflection and distraction.
• It's important to honor your own grieving process.
• Grief can teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and our relationships.

Sound Bites

00:00- Exploring Grief and ADHD

02:27Katrina's Journey Through Loss

05:06Navigating Grief as a Neurodivergent

07:42The Impact of ADHD on Grief Processing

10:26Finding Support and Community

13:11The Intersection of Infertility and ADHD

15:55Understanding Loss of Time and Self-Compassion

18:04Rejection Sensitivity and Grief20:08Sensory Overwhelm in Grieving Process

21:23Rebuilding Relationships After Loss

23:09Understanding Neurodiversity in Family Contexts

24:17The Complexity of Grief and Individual Experiences

24:53Challenging Traditional Grief Theories

26:12The Dual Process Model of Grief

28:20Navigating Joy and Sadness in Parenthood

29:56Grieving Expectations of Parenthood

32:07Overstimulation and Parenting Challenges

35:11Navigating Pregnancy After Loss

36:02The Complexity of Grief and Anticipatory Grief

37:09Finding Glimmers in Grief

38:37Creating Connections in Grief

39:38Personalizing the Grief Experience

41:57Supporting Grievers: Practical Tips

43:51The Evolving Nature of Grief

44:37Healing and Living with Grief

47:36Embracing the Duality of Grief

49:44Outro ADHD Her Way podcast .mp3