Grief is the New Normal Podcast: S2E13 The Impact of Grief on Friendships: Who Stays & Who Leaves

Grief's Emotional Math: Understanding Shifts in Relationships In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, addresses the complex emotional dynamics that emerge through grief, particularly how relationships are affected. The discussion highlights 'emotional math'—the unexpected support and disappointments from people during grief. Dr. Taylor explains why some people disappear when they are needed most, how to hold space for those who show up, and how to navigate the pain of those who don’t. She offers practical steps for processing these changes and emphasizes focusing on those who provide genuine support. The episode includes tips for acknowledging the pain of lost relationships, understanding the behavior of others, and embracing new supportive connections. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:36 Understanding the Emotional Math of Grief 01:52 Why Grief Changes Relationships 03:25 Navigating the Pain of Disappearing Friends 08:26 Processing the Disappointment 12:19 Focusing on Those Who Showed Up 15:58 Conclusion and Takeaways ----------------------------------------- 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 Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone.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 [email protected] 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 ------------------------------------- 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.