Navigating Identity Loss Through Grief

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal', Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, dives deep into how grief affects not just the sense of loss but the sense of self. She discusses how losing someone can upend one's identity, disrupt roles, routines, and hobbies, and create a feeling of disconnection from the self. Dr. Taylor also shares personal anecdotes, highlights the importance of accepting these shifts, and offers practical steps to start reconnecting with oneself post-loss. Listeners are encouraged to acknowledge their new realities, engage in familiar activities, and embrace new aspects of their identities. The episode emphasizes that it's okay to change and to take time figuring out who you are now.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:26 The Impact of Loss on Identity

02:09 Disruption of Roles and Daily Life

03:48 Navigating the Emotional Turmoil

06:17 Personal Story: Heather's Experience

07:57 Transformation Through Grief

11:37 Reconnecting with Yourself

16:38 Embracing Change and Moving Forward

17:59 Conclusion and Resources

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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 Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.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

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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

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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.