Grief Unspoken | Why Grief Isn’t a Disorder and Healing Has No Timeline | Liz Boring

Brooke is joined by Elizabeth “Liz” Boring, a licensed social worker and Fellow in Thanatology who supports families through Riley Grief Services at Riley Children’s Health. Brooke shares how Liz’s presence shaped her own grief journey, including small acts of remembrance that mattered more than people realize. Together they break down what thanatology is, why grief is not a mental health disorder, and how society’s discomfort with death can leave bereaved families isolated. Liz gently corrects common misconceptions, especially the idea that grief should shrink with time, and offers a more honest picture: the loss stays, but your capacity to carry it can grow. They also talk about why the dominant emotion in grief is often longing, why that longing is frequently misunderstood, and how families can navigate different grief styles under one roof. The episode closes with practical guidance for supporting grieving children and showing up for people when you do not know what to say.In this episode we explore:What thanatology is and why grief education matters;Why grief has no timeline, and what actually changes over time;Longing versus sadness, and why that distinction matters;Different grief styles inside families, and how to communicate needs;Supporting grieving kids with honesty, preparation, and the right resources._____________________________________________________________Liz's Guest Links:National Alliance for Children's Grief: https://nacg.org/National Coalition to Support Grieving Students: https://grievingstudents.org/What's Your Grief: https://whatsyourgrief.com/_____________________________________________________________Email Us: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Be a guest: ⁠[email protected]⁠Newsletter: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/traumauncensored/episode-releases⁠Instagram: @traumauncensoredTikTok: @trauma.uncensoredYouTube: @traumauncensoredWebsite, Merch, & More: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.traumauncensored.com/⁠_____________________________________________________________Content Disclaimer: This episode includes discussion of child loss and bereaved parenting, traumatic grief, longing and complicated emotions, references to suicidal-sounding statements as an expression of grief (not a diagnosis), and guidance for supporting grieving children and families.If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide or know someone who is, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.