Ep. 47 - Grief & Spiritual Distress: Why You Don't "Get Over It" (And What Helps Instead)

In this episode of Holistic Health with Melissa, Melissa sits down with Reverend Christine Vaughan Davies, hospital chaplain, spiritual director, and leader of a hospital spiritual care department, for an honest conversation about grief and spiritual distress. Together they unpack why grief isn't only about death, how life changes create real loss, and why comparison ("the suffering Olympics") keeps women stuck in shame and isolation. You'll also hear a compassionate, practical guide to supporting someone in acute grief - what helps, what harms, and why well-meaning religious phrases can deepen pain rather than heal it. This episode blends faith, emotional care, and nervous system awareness, with grounded takeaways for anyone carrying unprocessed grief, whether it happened last week or decades ago. In this conversation: What hospital chaplains actually do (for patients, families, and staff) Why we don't "move on" from grief - we move through it The grief myths that create shame and emotional suppression Toxic religious platitudes vs trauma-informed spiritual support Simple ways to show up well for grieving people (without putting pressure on them) Why naming loss is often the first step toward healing If you've been feeling alone in your pain, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less isolated. Connect with Christine: Her newsletter is https://journeyingalongside.substack.com/ She can be booked for individual spiritual direction sessions via www.christinevdavies.com. https://journeyingalongside.substack.com/ https://www.christinevdavies.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-christine-davies/ https://www.instagram.com/cvdavies/ Join Melissa's 3-Day Mind Body Healing Workshop: https://holistichealthbymelissa.com/MindBodyHealingWorkshop