E121: From elevator escape to digital vulnerability: Navigating workplace boundaries and social media after loss with Shruti Trivedi

In this essential conversation, Shruti Trivedi shares the raw reality of returning to work after losing her twin boys—and how she went from literally running away from a pregnant colleague in the elevator to openly sharing her story across social media platforms worldwide. Shruti describes those first devastating days back at work: seeing her friend who was eight months pregnant (they'd shared their pregnancy news together), people assuming she'd been on maternity leave and asking "How are the twins?", and breaking down in her cubicle while trying to keep herself "busy enough" not to feel. She didn't know how to set boundaries. She didn't know she could say "I'm not ready to talk about this." This episode tackles two critical topics that bereaved mothers face: workplace reentry and sharing your story on social media—both spaces where you're suddenly vulnerable to other people's reactions, questions, and sometimes cruelty. On Workplace Boundaries: Why "just staying busy" doesn't actually help you heal The simple sentence that protects your energy: "Can we talk about this later?" Why saying no at work translates to saying no to invasive questions What workplaces SHOULD offer (but often don't): mental health support, trained advocates, grief resources The beautiful reunion with the pregnant colleague she'd avoided—and why you don't need to apologize for protecting yourself On Social Media Vulnerability: How sharing your story can be cathartic and empowering—but also comes with trolls and triggers Managing the emotional weight of strangers' stories flooding your DMs The importance of writing content down first and checking how it makes you feel before posting Why you should screenshot positive comments for when you question yourself Setting boundaries: you don't have to respond immediately, you can delete posts, you can block negativity Choosing what platform feels right (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack) The power of reaching people across the world who need to hear "you're not alone" Shruti's journey from workplace isolation to global connection is a masterclass in finding your voice after loss—while still protecting your peace. Key Takeaways: ✨ You never have to apologize for protecting your energy ✨ "Can we not talk about this right now?" is a complete sentence ✨ Workplaces need trained advocates and visible mental health resources ✨ Sharing on social media is a choice—not an obligation ✨ Focus on positive comments; don't feed energy to negativity ✨ Take time responding to DMs—absorbing others' trauma takes a toll ✨ Delete, block, and protect your space without guilt ✨ You're allowed to care deeply AND protect yourself   Connect with Shruti: Shruti works with working mothers and professionals to release guilt, prioritize self-care, and embrace mental wellbeing with compassion and courage. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulsiheals_life_coaching/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsihealslifecoaching LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shruti-trivedi-pmp-acc-8793671a Substack: https://tulsihealslifecoaching.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEuJzTER4Lz2u42KQIg2X9w  Book a complimentary session through the links in her social media bios   Ready to turn your calling into clarity? Access the FREE Loss to Purpose Masterclass Link to access it here: https://www.sharnasouthan.com/loss-to-purpose-masterclass    If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your story matters.  Connect with Sharna: Join my Newsletter: HERE Apply for the Certification: HERE IG: Biz Mentorship: @instituteofhealing_pl IG: Podcast: @pregnancyloss_podcast  IG: Loss Support & Certifications: @insitituteofhealing.losssupport LinkedIn: @sharnasouthan   Leave a Review If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews help other women find these conversations and realize they're not alone in their journey. Remember: You don't have to heal alone. Your grief is valid, your babies mattered, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.   Resources & Support The Pregnancy Loss Recovery Method™ offers specialised support for bereaved mothers that treats pregnancy loss as reproductive trauma—because your experience deserves more than general grief counseling. Ready to transform your experience into expertise? If you're a bereaved mother practitioner called to support others through pregnancy loss, explore the Pregnancy Loss & Trauma-Informed Specialist Certification at: https://www.sharnasouthan.com/certification-vsl