For this episode, we had the you submit topics, questions, advice, or anything else you wanted us to talk about pertaining grief. We answered all your questions & talked about various topics including how to deal with self isolation after a loss, going back to work, accepting the rippling effects of grief including shifting relationship dynamics and other secondary losses, struggles in dating, and grief dreams.

In this minisode, we talk about the pressure that we feel as grievers to have grief all figured out. People look to us to help them understand grief in general, and, specifically, we have this responsibility to help others understand our complex feelings surrounding our own grief. This is so much, and we don't always know the answers because we're still struggling to figure it out for ourselves! We still struggle to place our emotions and express them correctly. We struggle to know what we need sometimes, and how to communicate something we don't even know ourselves. When another loss occurs, we will probably struggle to find the right words to say to another griever even when deep down we know the ones we would want to hear. We know first hand that the best condolences are action-based, and not words. Just by you having “survived” grief, you are a comfort to someone. Just because we know grief DOES NOT make us experts!

Join us this week on Grief Uncensored as we dive into the meaning of the phrase we always say in the beginning of our episodes - your grief is your own. We'll also dive into the complex world of social media and its impact throughout all the stages of the grieving process. Social media and it’s endless stream of information, people, interactions, proves to be one of our biggest triggers, but also our best resource. 

No two grief stories are ever the same, even when grieving the same person within the same family. Everybody deals with it differently, and whatever you do, however you cope and process your grief, is 100% valid. As a griever, vulnerability, although scary, can be so rewarding. Sharing your story with others is a powerful tool that can help people close to you understand who you are. We hold a lot of power in our storytelling, and it is a tool for healing. If sharing is something you want to do, we believe you should do it with confidence. But we’ve all been there: you decide to share some details or stories about your journey, just to be met with blank stares and awkward silences. 

In this episode, we discuss the importance of choosing the right confidants for your grief journey and why it's perfectly okay to keep some aspects of your experience private. here's the truth: you don't owe anyone an explanation for your grief. It's yours to carry, yours to process, and yours to share - on your own terms. Feeling like you're "too much" or burdening others with your pain is a common struggle. But we're here to remind you that you are worthy of love and understanding, no matter the depth of your grief or the "baggage" you carry. 

In this minisode of Grief Uncensored, we talk about the concept of closure. As always, we’re skipping the clichés and diving right into the bleak realities of finding closure after loss: a process with no fixed destination. When we talk about closure, it doesn't just mean with the person we lost. We also talk about finding closure with everything we experienced: the loss, the guilt, the anger, the trauma, and all the other unresolved feelings. Do we need to accept our realities to find closure? What if we didn’t get to say goodbye, or be with them in their final moments? Do we really need closure to move on, or is it a societal expectation that adds unnecessary weight to the grieving process? Come join us this week as we try to answer these questions surrounding this concept of closure. In a culture that often urges us to "move on," we acknowledge that grief has its own timeline. Instead of pushing for closure, we explore how time itself becomes a crucial factor in healing wounds and finding a sense of peace.

In this week's minisode, we confront the whirlwind of existential thoughts and questions that come with being in your 20 somethings. As 20-somethings, we are trying on so many different hats, exploring new paths, and choosing & changing our minds a million times. How scary of a thought is it to realize you have to power to make decisions that will impact your life? And how do we deal with the impact of situations that were out of our control? Trying to figure out your identity and place in this world is hard enough, then adding grief & loss on top of that is a while other thing. Talk about feeling lost! Join us as we talk about how losing a parent at this young age, amid self discovery, changes EVERYTHING.

We discuss the void that created is so massive it impacts who we are & who we will become. It's okay to question why we're here, why these things happen, and what we would be like if they hadn't. It's okay not to have all the answers and have everything figured out. It's okay to take risks, try new things, and learn from failures along the way. Embracing the uncertainty and understanding that plans may not always unfold as expected are all part of the journey.

Experiencing the profound impact of a life-altering loss only adds another layer of complexity to this transformative time.

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the unfiltered emotions surrounding the holidays. We share our personal experiences with no holding back when it comes to acknowledging that, yeah, the holidays can downright suck when faced with the empty chair at the table and the missing laughter of a loved one. 

As we approach the New Year, the passage of time hits differently for grievers. We discuss the bittersweet reality of bidding farewell to one year and bracing for the unknowns of the next. New Year's has become a painful reminder of the relentless passage of time and acknowledging the changes in our lives since our losses. We explore ways to cope during the holiday season and share personal insights on setting intentions for the upcoming year with mindfulness. 

Join us for another genuine and heartfelt conversation about the realities of grief during this holiday season.

Welcome back to Season 3 of Grief Uncensored, the podcast where we navigate the uncharted waters of loss, pain, and healing. Your hosts, Julia Gallegos and Yako Shirasuna, are back after a much-needed hiatus.

During our break, we took the time to reflect, recharge, and analyze how this year will bring a different perspective to both our personal grief journeys and the podcast itself. Join us in this candid catch-up session as we share our experiences, the lessons we've learned, and how the landscape of grief has evolved in our lives.

Year 3 of grief has brought new challenges, unexpected twists, and, of course, moments of profound growth. We're here to lay it all out on the table, discussing the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It's an emotional journey, but we're not holding back. This season promises to be more honest, more vulnerable, and more comforting than ever before.

So grab your headphones, find a cozy spot, and join us as we embark on another season of Grief Uncensored. Let's navigate the complexities of grief together, finding solace in shared experiences and embracing the healing power of open, unfiltered conversation. Welcome to Season 3; we've missed you, and we can't wait to explore the depths of grief with you once again.

Thank you for joining us!

Follow us on Instagram @griefuncensoredpodcast & check out our YouTube for the video version of this podcast.

We're so glad you are here.

In this minisode, we can only offer validation and understanding for whatever you may be going through because we know damn well how it feels. Gratitude doesn’t come naturally to us especially after our life has been ripped apart, so a whole holiday dedicated to that feels especially painful. We’re right here alongside you today, and you’re not alone.

This week we met with Zane Landin, journalist and mental health advocate, to talk about his experience losing his mom suddenly in January 2021. Together we talk about doing “grief math”, and speculate on the afterlife and what “heaven” means for us grievers who have our favorite people on the other side. We discuss dreams, mediumship, and signs we get from our loved ones from the other side. Zane also opens up about different coping mechanisms he uses including using his imagination & daydreaming to conceptualize new memories with his mom. Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!!  https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

With summer over and the days getting shorter, the worst time of the year for us grievers is approaching. Holiday season is just around the corner along with its endless parade of reminders of our dead loved ones. It’s possible to feel joy, but it often feels bittersweet. This bittersweet feeling is experienced all the time with grief especially during holidays and big ceremonious events like weddings. On top of that, seasonal depression is real and we’re definitely feeling it. This week we’re talking about mentally preparing for this time and what we’re expecting. This is one of our first minisodes. Stay tuned for more minisodes throughout the holiday season. As always, much love.

In this episode, our guest Madison Brockmeyer lays it all out of the table. Grief changes a lot of components in your life including your friends, family, self, work, and dating… we’re talking ALL of that today. We dive into some of the secondary losses she experienced including losing her friends and a relationship with her father as she once knew it. The rippling effects of grief also were felt in her work and dating life as well, as often people perceive grievers as “unstable” or “too much baggage.” Even the closest people to you don’t get it sometimes, and you feel betrayed or even blame yourself.     Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!!  https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

Compounded or cumulative grief is when a person experiences several losses in a short period of time. It when when the grief and loss in ones life seems to pile-on, causing bereavement overload. It could mean losing several loved ones, or losing a loved one, then a relationship, then a pet, etc. No matter where your losses are coming from, it is a grief overload that is hard to deal with.   Our guest this week, Hanna Normandeau, experienced the loss of her Dad, grandmother, and grandfather, all within an 8-month period. Hanna lays out her experience losing her dad tragically and traumatically to COVID-19, and shortly after losing her elderly grandparents more “naturally” but devastating nonetheless. We learn about how compounded grief feels overwhelming and creates longer periods of denial, how our grief looks differently depending on the relationship we had with the person while they were still on earth, and the intricacies of the effects of bereavement overload.     Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!!  https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

This week, we're joined by Sophia Bylsma as she shares her story about losing her mom to a neurodegenerative illness similar to ALS. She had a very unique experience where her mom chose to partake in the medical aid in dying process (formally known as physician-assisted suicide), which is only legal in a handful of states here in the U.S. This option allows those diagnosed with a terminal illness to have a say in the way they die, allowing them to take back some control in an uncontrollable situation. Also discussed in this episode are death doulas and alternative options to traditional funerals including green burials. 

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!! https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

World Mental Health Day is October 10th according to the World Health Organization. In honor of that, we dedicated this week's episode to mental health struggles through the lens of grief. For those of us who experience mental health struggles, we know how it feels to live in an unequal world. There is often a stigma and shame when it comes to mental illnesses. This episode is our attempt to normalize talking about the hard stuff. In this episode, we cover how grief changed our journey with mental health, how COVID-19 impacted mental health, derealization & depersonalization, and struggling with anxiety & depression. Lastly, we talk about the difference between suicidal ideation and thoughts and speak from the heart about wanting to end the pain. 

Our goal is to normalize asking for help, going to therapy, having bad days (not everyday can be great), showing emotions, taking a break/not pushing your limits, not being ok (knowing it'll pass or come in waves), speaking up and telling people about your grief/depression/suicidal thoughts. 

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts please call the Suicide and Crisis line 988 OR 1-800-273-8255 is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text “TALK” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, a trained crisis counselor will receive it and respond within minutes.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255.
• The Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” 741741
• Nonprofits: LGBTQ resource The Trevor Project, National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI), The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, International Association for Suicide Prevention - IASP

Health Care

• providers can be found through your primary care physician, employee assistance or school (many universities offer free mental health care)
• Apps such as Better Help, Talkspace, Cerebral, etc.

Podcasts

• Therapy Thoughts with Tiffany Roe
• Let’s Talk About Mental Health with Jeremy Godwin

Click the link below for more Grief Uncensored resources including our Facebook group for other young adults grieving a significant loss:

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

Being in a committed relationship while grieving isn’t for the weak. There are countless struggles couples have to endure. It’s possible that grief has affected your connection in a negative way, causing conflict. Or, it can bring a couple closer through trust. For the griever, feelings of guilt often rise from feeling depressed too often, trauma dumping, asking “too much” from their partner, etc.

This week, we’re here to break down these ideas with none other than the amazing Carson Drain (@carryonwithcarson on Instagram and TikTok). Alongside Carson, we share details about our experiences being in committed partnerships while our lives got torn apart.

We change too much in grief, and our partner is a big part of the journey. How can we navigate loving and supporting our partner if our cup is so empty? Join us for all things love and loss this week.

Carson Drain: https://linktr.ee/carsoncdrain

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!! 

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

How the f*** are we supposed to “go back to normal” after we have just experienced a life-changing loss? Our world stops yet, time keeps ticking away. The world keeps going on without us as we watch from the sidelines. Grievers are asked TOO often to put on a mask for the outside world and pretend everything is ok. Know that it’s normal to feel like a zombie or to numb-out on auto-pilot. 

In this episode, we layout all the difficulties of having to go back to normal after the initial loss and provide 5 different tools to add to your “going back to normal” toolbox: 

1. Be transparent with people who can be on your side.

2. Protect your peace by having a list of pre-written responses you can “copy and paste” when people ask you questions that are inconsiderate or ignorant. 

3. Find how YOU like to self soothe: walks, yoga, etc. 

4. Don’t feel guilty for choosing you & speaking your truth. 

5. KNOW YOUR WORTH & that you deserve grace & space to heal. 

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!! https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

This week, we had the pleasure of talking with soul-led RD and co-host of her own podcast (the Michelle and Lucy Show), Michelle Caravella. Having lost her dad to cancer, together we talked about anticipatory grief and the difficulties behind having to grieve someone while they're still alive. Anticipatory grief is grief that occurs before the death or loss, and it's just as complicated and confusing as you would think. It's often referred to as the "in-between place" as you face this reality of losing your loved one while trying to find the balance between holding on to hope and letting go. It commonly leaves one feeling completely helpless. Join us for another vulnerable conversation. 

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube. Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to submit your person for our "Feature of The Week" Instagram series? CLICK THE LINK BIO!!!

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast 

Michelle Caravella 

Instagram: michelle_caravella

Another life talk with your hosts, Julia and Yako. In this episode, we’re just catching up about all that’s happened since Season 1. We talk about the ever-changing nature of being in your 20’s while simultaneously dealing with the crushing weight of grief. Julia talks about moving to a new city and starting a new life, and Yako talks about visiting home and transitioning into adulthood. Also, we dive into how to deal with disappointment when people in your life fail to show up for you.   

Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube! Want to be a guest? Want to join our Facebook group for other grieving young adults? Want to participate in our "Feature Your Loved One" series on Instagram? CLICK THE LINK BELOW!!   https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast

Welcome to Season 2 of Grief Uncensored! We’re back with more tears, more laughs, and some amazing new guests! This week, we’re with our friend, Tessa Thompson, who shares her story about losing her dad to cancer at the age of 12. Join us as we talk with her about grieving at such a young age and how grief changes over time. Stay tuned for more and the rest of Season 2! 

https://linktr.ee/griefuncensoredpodcast