All Episodes

March 8, 2025 45 mins

Join Helena Strauss in this deeply insightful conversation with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor, a leading expert in the psychology and physiology of grief. Discover the profound ways loss affects not just our emotions, but our physical health too.

In this episode, Dr. O'Connor delves into:


* The connection between grief and physical health: Learn about the increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and other illnesses after the loss of a loved one.

* Psychoneuroimmunology: Understand how our psychological states, nervous system, and immune system are intricately linked.

* Attachment theory and the "we" brain: Explore how our brains process the loss of a loved one and the impact on our identity.

* The role of inflammation in grief: Discover how grief can trigger inflammation and affect various bodily systems.

* Practical advice for navigating grief: Dr. O'Connor shares valuable insights on seeking medical care and supporting those who are grieving.

* Consciousness and the body: a discussion on where consciousness resides, and the body's role in memory and reaction.

* External pacemakers: How the loss of a loved one disrupts daily routines and physiological rhythms.


Dr. O'Connor, author of "The Grieving Brain" and her new book, "The Grieving Body," brings a unique perspective, blending scientific research with personal experience to shed light on the complex nature of grief. Whether you've experienced loss yourself or want to better understand the grieving process, this conversation offers valuable knowledge and compassionate guidance.


Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on healing, loss, and the human spirit.


🌎For full links to today’s guest visit ➡️ https://thejourneyingsoul.com/1018-2


🕵️‍♂️ FIND Mary Frances O'Connor:

https://maryfrancesoconnor.org


🚫 Re-uploads or ANY use of our content is prohibited.  👻


#grief #loss #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #psychology #MaryFrancesOConnor #TheGrievingBrain #healing #bereavement #attachmenttheory #inflammation #consciousness

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Therapy Gecko

Therapy Gecko

An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.