Grief and the Social Battery: Navigating Energy Depletion

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a grief psychologist, delves into the exhausting nature of grief and its impact on social interactions. She introduces the concept of 'grief mode' and explains how it affects brain function and the nervous system, leading to extreme fatigue. Dr. Taylor discusses the importance of normalizing and validating the reduced social capacity during grief. She offers practical strategies, such as using 'soft no's, having exit plans, and lowering the bar for connection. The episode also touches on 'spoon theory' to illustrate how grief depletes energy reserves. Personal anecdotes and insights provide a compassionate perspective, emphasizing that it's okay to step back during this challenging time. Dr. Taylor concludes with an invitation for listeners to honor their capacity by setting boundaries that support their grief journey.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:22 Understanding Grief and Social Exhaustion

01:33 The Impact of Grief on the Brain and Body

04:37 Navigating Social Interactions While Grieving

06:04 Personal Story: Thanksgiving After Loss

08:46 Adjusting Social Expectations and Boundaries

12:02 Practical Tips for Managing Social Energy

15:39 Recap and Final Thoughts

18:33 Closing Remarks and Resources

---------------------------------------------

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

The Validity of Anger in Grief: Embracing the Fiery Side of Loss

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the often overlooked and misunderstood emotion of anger in the grieving process. Dr. Taylor emphasizes that anger is a natural and valid response to loss, challenging societal norms that view it as destructive or something to suppress. Throughout the episode, she shares personal experiences and offers practical strategies for channeling and metabolizing grief anger in healthy ways. Listeners are encouraged to embrace all aspects of their grief, including the fiery rage, and are provided with tools and insights to navigate their grief journey authentically and unapologetically.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:28 Exploring Anger in Grief

03:09 Faces of Grief Anger

06:09 Managing and Expressing Anger

10:19 Creative Outlets for Anger

15:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

------------------------------------------------------------

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Navigating Collective Grief in Uncertain Times

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor discusses the pervasive sense of collective grief felt in today's political climate. She outlines how current events and political transitions contribute to a sense of loss, disillusionment, and identity crisis. Dr. Taylor addresses the compounded impact of personal and systemic grief, emphasizing the need for practical strategies and emotional boundaries to process these feelings. She introduces the TIPP method and the concept of rage writing to help listeners manage their grief and anxiety. Dr. Taylor encourages community connection and self-care as vital components of navigating this new normal, offering resources and support through her podcast and newsletter.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:28 Exploring Non-Death Loss Grief

00:53 Grieving in a Shifting World

03:01 Political Transitions and Grief

04:56 Collective Grief and Identity

10:22 Practical Strategies for Managing Grief

15:13 Finding Community and Connection

16:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

----------------------------------------

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Navigating Grief in the New Year: Season Two Kickoff

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes listeners to season two of the podcast, focusing on the complexities of dealing with grief as a new year begins. Dr. Taylor shares personal experiences and offers insights into managing grief without succumbing to societal pressures for New Year’s resolutions. She discusses the importance of setting intentions rather than goals, embracing rest, and being kind to oneself. The episode also explores practical strategies for honoring grief, such as creating a grief calendar and practicing mindfulness, while emphasizing that the new year does not require a 'new you.'

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:24 Reflecting on Season One and Welcoming Season Two

01:22 Navigating the New Year After a Dark December

02:23 Setting Intentions Instead of Resolutions

03:09 Personal Story: Running Through Grief

05:24 Mixed Feelings About the New Year

09:57 Strategies for Honoring Grief in the New Year

15:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

16:17 Closing Remarks and Resources

------------------------------------------------

Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss—because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives.

Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed—this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.

No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Exploring Intergenerational Trauma with Katherine Vandervort

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor welcomes Katherine Vandervort, an LMHCA and former student making strides in the mental health field. They discuss the impact of intergenerational trauma on immigrant families, particularly focusing on the complex emotional dynamics experienced by the children of immigrants. Katherine shares insights from her practice, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and processing grief, even when it diverges from family traditions. They also touch on strategies for holding space for both the strengths and pain of familial histories and the importance of community in the healing journey.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:25 Meet Katherine Vandervort: A Journey into Mental Health

02:33 Understanding Intergenerational Trauma

06:39 Navigating Emotional Complexities

21:11 The Spectrum of Grief

28:01 Practical Strategies for Grieving Intergenerational Trauma

32:22 Conclusion and Resources

-----------------------------------------

I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language.

Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal available for purchase thru this link: https://a.co/d/4hbLtbX

Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter

https://www.themourningmovement.com

hello@themourningmovement.com

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Navigating Grief as a Single Parent In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal', Dr. Heather Taylor converses with Professor Lee Gernert-Larrea, a professor and licensed mental health counselor, about the challenges of parenting while grieving. They discuss the unique hurdles faced by single parents, the importance of self-care, and strategies for supporting children through grief. Lee shares her personal journey after the sudden death of her husband, highlighting the value of seeking community support and establishing new traditions. The episode provides insights into balancing one's own grief with the responsibility of nurturing grieving children.

00:00 Introduction to Grief and Parenting

00:56 Lee's Background and Personal Story

03:04 Navigating Grief as a Single Parent

07:04 Supporting Grieving Children

10:44 Challenges in School and Social Settings

17:22 Finding Support and Community

19:29 Building Traditions and Keeping Memories Alive

20:27 Adapting Holidays and Creating New Traditions

21:52 The Importance of Proactive Grieving

22:50 Finding Community and Support

23:58 Navigating Grief's Unexpected Waves

25:47 The Power of Listening and Support

30:28 Balancing Personal Grief and Supporting Children

33:12 Living Fearlessly and Embracing Life

34:21 Future Plans and Giving Back

35:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

--------------------------------------------------------

Professor Lee Gernert-Larrea is a seasoned mental health professional with a rich background in clinical psychology. She holds a Master's from Mansfield University and a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in New York and a retired Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania, Professor Gernert-Larrea has dedicated 20 years to community mental health, providing psychological services at the Elmira Psychiatric Center.

Currently teaching at a community college, she finds joy in engaging with students through various psychology courses, ranging from introductory to upper-level specialized classes such as Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Her teaching philosophy encourages open inquiry and discussion, helping students explore the broad and diverse field of psychology.

Professor Gernert-Larrea is also a member of the American Psychological Association and has been recognized for her educational contributions with the RBOT Excellence in Teaching Award and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, highlighting her commitment to academic excellence and student development.

You can reach out to her at Lgernert@corning-c.edu

--------------------------------------------------

I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter

https://www.themourningmovement.com

hello@themourningmovement.com

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.

Navigating Holiday Grief with Dr. Jessica Rabon In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor speaks with Dr. Jessica Rabon, a licensed psychologist from South Carolina, about the complexities of experiencing grief during the holiday season. They discuss how grief manifests in various forms, such as death and non-death losses, and offer practical strategies for coping, including setting boundaries, creating new traditions, and finding support. This episode is a resource for those who are grieving or supporting someone in grief, providing insights on managing emotions, honoring loved ones, and navigating family dynamics during one of the most challenging times of the year.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:28 Meet Dr. Jessica Rabon

00:39 Grief During the Holiday Season

03:55 Navigating Traditions and Nostalgia

08:16 Emotional Challenges of the Holidays

11:41 Practical Strategies for Coping

18:07 Supporting Others in Grief

30:21 Self-Care During the Holidays

33:24 Family Traditions in Different Settings

35:30 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

37:03 Conclusion and Resources

---------------------------------------------------

Dr. Jessica Rabon is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric psychology. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, chronic medical illnesses, LGBTQ+ health, and eating disorders. She has published a number of peer-reviewed research papers and a book on topics such as suicide, depression, anxiety, self-compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness. Additionally, Jess creates mental health content on TikTok and Instagram and hosts two podcasts, Psych Talk and Welcome to Group Therapy, with the goal of making mental health more accessible and relatable, and destigmatizing mental health.

Instagram: @jessicaleighphd

TikTok: @jessicaleighphd

Threads: @jessicaleighphd

Podcasts: Psych Talk & Welcome to Group Therapy

-------------------------------------------------------

I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed, PsyPact psychologist based out of Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter

https://www.themourningmovement.com

hello@themourningmovement.com

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.