Why Grief Feels Like A Brain Injury (And Other Things Nobody Tells You About Loss)

Enjoyed this and want to let us know? Drop us a textIn this deeply personal episode recorded only weeks after her mother’s death through voluntary assisted dying, Danielle shares the raw reality of grief, far beyond the familiar sadness people expect. She opens up about dissociation at work events, emotional numbness, and the biological impact of loss on the brain and body, from the amygdala to the mitochondria. This conversation explores what grief actually feels like, why it isn’t linear, and why “being strong” can sometimes do more harm than good.Whether you’re grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a compassionate blend of science, lived experience, and practical tools for navigating loss. Danielle unpacks cultural discomfort around sadness, the truth behind emotional “rewiring,” and the idea that grief is a form of love.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:46 Dealing with Grief: Personal Experiences01:49 The Science of Grief05:01 Navigating Life Amidst Grief08:50 Coping Mechanisms and Support12:14 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Grief26:45 Public Displays of Grief and Cultural Perspectives29:23 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Danielle: See her website - https://daniellecolley.com.au/But the Chocolate Bar Life book - https://www.thechocolatebarlife.com.au/buy-bookFind her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iamdaniellecolley/ Connect on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/IAmDanielleColley/?_rdc=1&_rdr#Watch on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@iamdaniellecolley Check out her substack - https://substack.com/@iamdaniellecolley?utm_source=user-menu