E43: Why "Time Heals All" Is a Lie—and What Grievers Need Instead episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 1, 2026 · 23 MIN

E43: Why "Time Heals All" Is a Lie—and What Grievers Need Instead

from Grief Grower · host Shelby Forsythia, Grief Coach and Author

"Time heals all" is one of the most commonly repeated phrases in grief support—but is it actually helpful? Discover the history behind this platitude, why it often causes more harm than good, and what actually supports healing after loss. Where "time heals all" originated—and why it stuck 3 reasons the phrase harms more than helps What to do instead of waiting for time to pass What to say to grievers that's actually comforting Why you—not time—are the source of your healing Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now Submit your pre-order receipt to join the FREE Of Course I'm Here Right Now book club:https://forms.gle/UKZUerJ91Cf1RwrC7 RSVP for Of Course I'm Here Right Now launch parties in Chicago and virtual: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/events ... Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter: https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show: https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

NOW PLAYING

E43: Why "Time Heals All" Is a Lie—and What Grievers Need Instead

0:00 23:41

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Depression Detox Show | Daily Inspirational Talks Maleek Josephs Get UNSTUCK. Be inspired by the best motivational, inspirational, and brain health experts to live a happier and more purposeful life! Join host Malikee Josephs Monday through Friday for your dose of motivation. If you’re struggling with feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, emptiness, anxiety, sadness, grief & loss, or not having a sense of purpose, this show is for YOU! ——————If you are in need of medical care, please consult with a therapist or physician.If you are in a crisis or thinking of harming yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. Calls are private and confidential. CDC Mental Health recommendation pagehttps://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/index.htm Emotional Autoimmunity: Dealing with the emotional issues of chronic illness Kerry Jeffery Chronic illness completely changes your life but nobody talks about or even acknowledges all of the emotional issues that come with it and I'm on a mission to change that. As an award winning coach and therapist living with four autoimmune diseases myself, I know exactly what the issues are and more importantly, how to help you overcome them. From medical gaslighting, dealing with grief and all of the 'what if' thoughts that keep you awake at night, let's talk about the emotional issues of chronic illness and what you can do to help yourself.  Let's Talk About Grief With Anne Anne DeButte Grief is messy. It's the opposite of linear. It can be dark and wacky, lonely or not, love-filled or seemingly lacking - but it is so very alive. No two people experience this process in quite the same way. These episodes are conversation starters for dealing with dying, death, and grief, part therapy and part storytelling in disguise. They'll shine a light, giving you hope and understanding of how others have managed their grief. Also, they are an insightful guide to life's many losses. You don't have to struggle alone? Please connect [email protected] at https://www.understandinggrief.com The Therapy Spot Beth Rogerson No matter what's holding you back, therapist Beth Rogerson wants to help you live a better, more balanced life. Are you and your partner going through a rough patch? Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? Or do you simply need some guidance on your journey to become your best Self? Beth often uses the Internal Family Systems (or IFS) model to help listeners understand and navigate their inner world. She frequently interviews other experienced therapists on subjects like security, shame, and grief. The Therapy Spot will provide you with the tools you need for better, deeper connection with yourself and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Grief Grower?

This episode is 23 minutes long.

When was this Grief Grower episode published?

This episode was published on January 1, 2026.

What is this episode about?

"Time heals all" is one of the most commonly repeated phrases in grief support—but is it actually helpful? Discover the history behind this platitude, why it often causes more harm than good, and what actually supports healing after loss. Where...

Can I download this Grief Grower episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!