Grief, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue: Navigating Emotional Exhaustion

In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the intersection of grief and burnout, particularly focusing on compassion fatigue. She discusses the exhausting nature of grief and the additional strain of caregiving roles, providing practical strategies for managing and protecting one's energy. Dr. Taylor also shares a personal story of burnout to illustrate the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and prioritizing rest. She offers actionable steps like lowering daily expectations, saying no more often, and building intentional rest to combat burnout while emphasizing the necessity of self-compassion.

00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal

00:28 Understanding Grief and Burnout

01:27 Signs of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

03:56 One Personal Story of Burnout

08:42 Strategies to Combat Burnout

18:49 The Guilt Loop and Importance of Rest

20:31 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 Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.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.