Grieving Insomniacs, a grief podcast.

In this episode of Grieving Insomniacs, host Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey of grief following the loss of her son. She discusses the concept of gaslighting in the context of grief, where others deny or trivialize the grieving person's reality. Cristi emphasizes the profound impact of grief on her life and the societal pressures that often accompany it. She explores the themes of trivialization, projection, and the importance of self-validation in the grieving process. Throughout the conversation, Cristi offers insights on coping with grief, finding support, and the necessity of setting boundaries with those who may not understand the depth of one's pain.takeaways Grief can profoundly change a person's reality.Gaslighting occurs when others deny the reality of grief.It's essential to validate one's own feelings during grief.Society often imposes unrealistic timelines for grieving.Trivializing grief can be harmful and isolating.Finding a supportive community is crucial for healing.Self-validation is key to coping with grief.Setting boundaries with unsupportive individuals is necessary.Coping with grief is a personal journey that takes time.Healing from grief involves accepting the loss and moving forward. Understanding Grief: The Impact of LossCoping with Grief: Finding Your Own Path "Gaslighting is denying someone else's reality.""Grief changed everything about me.""Don't deny my reality." keywords: grief, gaslighting, loss, coping, support, mental health, grieving process, emotional pain, self-validation, societal expectations. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Grief and Gaslighting 02:39Understanding Gaslighting in Grief 05:19The Impact of Trivialization and Projection 10:25Navigating Grief and Isolation 15:41Coping Mechanisms and Seeking Support 21:31The Role of Therapy in Grief 27:04Empowerment Through Education and Boundaries 32:03Accepting Grief and Moving Forward https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com/ https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/ https://www.facebook.com/grievinginsomniacs/

https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/ In this episode, Cristi Habermann shares her personal journey through grief after losing a child and discusses the impact of grief on relationships. She explores common fears surrounding divorce after such a loss, the importance of communication and understanding between partners, and the role of forgiveness in healing. Cristi emphasizes the need for coping mechanisms and support systems, and she reflects on how grief can either strengthen or challenge relationships. The conversation concludes with insights on the importance of counseling and the necessity of working through grief before making significant decisions like divorce.takeaways Cristi shares her personal experience of being cancer-free after treatment.Grief can significantly impact relationships, especially after the loss of a child.Many couples fear divorce after losing a child, but it's not inevitable.Differences in grieving styles can lead to conflict in relationships.Forgiveness is crucial for healing after a loss.Expressing grief is essential for emotional health.Support systems play a vital role in coping with grief.The strength of a relationship before the loss can influence its outcome after.Counseling can be beneficial for couples navigating grief together.It's important to take time before making decisions about divorce after a loss. Forgiveness and Healing in GriefThe Impact of Grief on Relationship "Does this mean I'm going to get divorced? #grief, #relationships, #divorce, coping mechanisms, forgiveness, support systems, #child loss, emotional health, marriage, mental health

In this conversation, Cristi Habermann delves into the complex emotions surrounding survivor's guilt, particularly in the context of losing a child. She explores the symptoms and implications of survivor's guilt, the concept of moral injury, and the challenges of navigating complicated grief. Cristi emphasizes the importance of self-forgiveness and finding meaning in loss as essential coping strategies. She also discusses the need to incorporate the memory of lost loved ones into daily life as a way to cope with grief and survivor's guilt.takeaways Survivor's guilt is a response to the loss of others.Parents often feel they should have protected their children.Moral injury can exacerbate feelings of survivor's guilt.Complicated grief involves a failure to integrate loss into life.Self-forgiveness is crucial for healing from grief.Finding meaning in loss can help in coping with grief.Grieving parents need support from those who understand their loss.Practicing gratitude can be a powerful coping mechanism.Incorporating memories of lost loved ones into life is important.The experience of losing a child is unique and deeply personal. Transforming Grief into PurposeIncorporating Loss into Daily Life "Why couldn't I have died instead?""Survivor's guilt comes from a negative evaluation of ourselves.""I had to forgive myself for the things I believed I did wrong." 00:00Understanding Survivor's Guilt 03:07The Impact of Moral Injury 05:55Navigating Complicated Grief 10:11The Role of Self-Forgiveness 16:00Finding Meaning in Loss22:00Incorporating Loss into Life #survivor's guilt, #grief, #moral injury, #complicated grief, #self-forgiveness, #loss, #parenting, #mental health, #coping strategies, #meaning in suffering

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked emotional burden of grief in medical care. Many doctors are trained to treat the physical symptoms of illness but may struggle to fully understand or address the complex emotional and psychological aspects of grief that their patients experience. We'll discuss how the medical system often falls short in supporting those grieving, whether it's after a terminal diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. Cristi Habermann shares personal experiences and stories of how having cancer the same diagnosis her son died from is affecting her healing journey. Cristi discusses both the positive and negative interactions with medical professionals. Secondly, we dive into the importance of being authentic in grief—embracing it fully rather than hiding it away. Together, we explore ways to advocate for better understanding and support from healthcare providers and how patients can assert their need for compassionate care. This episode aims to empower listeners to navigate their grief with authenticity and courage, while also equipping them with the tools to advocate for themselves in medical settings. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, this conversation offers insights into bridging the gap between medicine and the human experience of loss. Tune in for a heartfelt and eye-opening episodes that challenges the way we think about grief in healthcare. #grief https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com/ https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the profound and painful journey of a mother diagnosed with cancer, following the loss of her son, Christopher, to the same disease. We delve into the depths of fear, grief, and guilt, and discover how these emotions can shape a desire for a more authentic life. Join us as we discuss the lessons of grief, the resilience of the human spirit, and the strength it takes to navigate such an intense and personal storm. This episode highlights the raw truth of surviving cancer as a grieving mother and the powerful journey toward healing and authenticity." https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/ https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com/

In this episode, we delve into the "Dark Night of the Soul," a term that describes the deep, transformative crisis many people endure during periods of intense grief and major life changes—at the same time, discussing the hiatus in podcast episodes due to life changes. Christopher's birthday and death day have recently passed along with the death of some dear family members. May and June are not months of happiness for our family. This episode aims to provide comfort, and support, to listeners navigating their dark nights, ultimately reminding them that there is light and growth on the other side of their struggles. https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en https://ahealingplaceforgrief.com/

Welcome to Grieving Insomniacs the podcast where we explore the raw and real experiences of life, grief, and healing. I'm your host, Cristi Habermann and in today's episode, we're delving into a topic that holds profound significance for many: surviving Mother's Day as a grieving mother. Mother's Day, a day celebrated with joy and love, can also be a source of profound pain for those who have lost a child. For grieving mothers, this day can feel like a relentless reminder of what's been lost, amplifying the ache of absence and the complexity of emotions. In this episode, we will discuss the ways that our past experiences, beliefs, and history can impact how grieving mothers survive Mother's Day. We'll explore the various ways in which this day can evoke a spectrum of emotions, from sorrow and longing to peace. Through candid conversations and heartfelt reflections, we'll shed light on the unique challenges that grieving mothers face during this time and offer insights into how to honor and remember their children amidst the sea of Mother's Day celebrations. Whether you're a grieving mother seeking solace and understanding or someone looking to support a grieving loved one, this episode aims to provide comfort, solidarity, and a sense of community. So, join us as we embark on this journey of remembrance, resilience, and renewal. This is Grief Reflections: Navigating Mother's Day as a Grieving Mother."

Today marks my granddaughter's 13th birthday, a day etched with profound significance in my son's tumultuous journey. It ranks as one of the toughest days he ever faced, second only to the heart-wrenching news of a cancer diagnosis on his 25th birthday. My granddaughter, just three months old when he passed away, remains a poignant symbol of love and loss in our family's narrative. For many years, I found myself estranged from her family, unable to partake in the joyous moments of her growing up. Not once have I had the opportunity to celebrate her birthday in person. Instead, this day acts as a precursor to the crescendo of grief that peaks on June 19th, laden with anniversary dates and haunting memories. With each passing year, the burden of navigating through this emotional terrain grows heavier. In this episode, I contemplate what I would convey to my granddaughter if she were to unexpectedly appear at my doorstep on her 18th birthday. I grapple with the complexities of absence, longing to bridge the chasm that separates us, yearning for the chance to share in her milestones. It pains me to acknowledge that my experience is not singular. Many grandparents find themselves distanced from their grandchildren following the loss of their children. I wish this were not a topic I needed to podcast about, yet here we are. Join me in this conversation, and share your thoughts on this journey of grief and separation. Also, listen to "In the beginning there was death." Episode 1

I've returned following an unintentional hiatus of a month. In this episode, I delve into a recent discussion I had with friends regarding the dynamics of friendships. Through this conversation, I realized that the experience of grief has altered the way I perceive these relationships. I find myself not feeling as intimately connected to people as I once did, and this extends to my relationships with family members. Has this happened to you? Let's talk about it on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en and on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/grievinginsomniacs/

Grief triggers can sneak up on you when you least expect it, catching you off guard. In my recent experience, one such trigger catapulted me back to the day right after Christopher passed away. As I found myself navigating the memories and emotions of that moment, it hit me – grief is not a hurdle to overcome; it's a lifelong journey. Join me in this week's episode as I share the raw and real details of riding the wave of grief. https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en https://cristihabermann.com/home/grieving-insomniacs-podcast/

The onset of a new year typically results in the creation of resolutions. Everywhere you turn, there are news articles, blog posts, and memes echoing the sentiment of a "new year, new you." However, for those grappling with grief, this season proves to be challenging. Each new year signifies another year without their cherished ones, a continuous stream of memories left unmade due to the absence of their loved ones. Navigating the transition from one year to the next becomes a formidable task. For our journaling prompt this year, let's explore abstaining from resolutions in 2024. What would it entail to concentrate on living in the present amidst the throes of grief? Could you awaken each day and immerse yourself in every moment? Cast aside any diet plans or intentions to alter your identity. Instead, focus on being fully present as you are and granting yourself the space to grieve without constraint. #grieving #grievingmom #grievingmomsforever #griefstagram #griefneverends #grievingmother #griefneverends #griefawareness #griefhurts #grievingprocess #grievingoutloud #grievingpodcast #grievingjourney #grievingason #griefislifechanging #grievingparent #griefsupport #grief #grievingmother #amothersgrief #griefclub #podcastersofinstagram #griefandhealing #griefandgratitude #griefandlosssupport #griefandloss #grievingmom #grieving #griefjourney #gettingrealaboutgrief https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en www.cristihabermann.com

n the midst of last week's reflective journaling exercise, I unearthed a profound realization about my struggle to embrace joy during the holiday season. The overwhelming sense of disloyalty I feel towards my departed child casts a shadow over my Christmas celebrations. Join me as I unveil the journey of self-discovery that led to this insight, delving into the methods I employed to navigate these emotions while journaling. Moreover, I share invaluable coping strategies from this process, offering solace amidst the emotional turmoil. Looking ahead, the upcoming prompt beckons us to either pen a heartfelt Christmas letter addressed to our cherished departed child or leverage the newfound wisdom gleaned from our introspective journaling expedition. I would love to hear what you learned if you want to share with me at https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en

Journaling is one of the most helpful ways I have found to cope with my grief journey. When our feelings and minds are confused and full of sadness it can be hard to decide on where to start. Sometimes we need a helping hand. This is why I created the Journal with me series. Each week we will use a prompt to get us started in our grief journal. This week's prompt is what I am missing about my child at Christmas. Write for at least one page and 1/5 without checking your grammar or spelling. Keep writing until you feel like you have said everything you need to say. If you cry, write through your tears. As you write you will have an insight into yourself. This will be your topic for the next journal entry. Trust the process and trust yourself. Your mind and body will lead you to where you need to go to better cope with your grief. Feel free to share your insights with me on Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en

This week's podcast does not have a theme or a particular message. It is more random thoughts and experiences from the week surrounding thoughts about death, dying, and particularly grief at Thanksgiving. I realized this week that we live in a society that does not allow anyone to be sad. It seems like sadness is being equated with depression and as such is being treated as a mental illness. Sadness is not the same as depression. As I moved through the week toward a holiday that is not particularly friendly or welcoming to grieving people; I began to think about death and dying. When I think of Christopher my concerns over how he died are never far away and in my opinion perfectly normal. As you listen to the podcast today, I hope it helps normalize any thoughts or experiences you had surrounding Thanksgiving that you hide from others. We are all on this journey of grief together but separately.

The message "The dark night of the soul" popped into my head when I was thinking about an appropriate topic for the Thanksgiving holiday podcast. In researching, I found several references to the Dark Night of the Soul. One was from Dr. Gerald May, and the other was from Eckhart Tolle. I will link both of them below. As I explored the concept of the Dark Night of the Soul, I realized that the holidays symbolize the dark side of my grief and the dark side of my emotions. As I made these connections I wondered what these three things: The dark night of the soul, the dark side of grief, and the dark side of one's personality have in common that they would present themselves as a topic for a holiday podcast. The answer is that the concepts of the "dark night of the soul," the dark side of grief, and the dark side of your personality share common themes around intense and challenging experiences that involve deep introspection, struggle, and transformation. The dark night of the soul refers to a spiritual crisis where a person loses their identity and their connection to who they are along with their connection to what they believe. The dark side of grief refers to the intense and painful emotions experienced during mourning. This can include anger, guilt, depression, and a sense of disorientation or lack of direction in life following a significant loss. The dark side of grief involves grappling with the depth of pain and sorrow associated with loss. The dark side of personality refers to aspects of one's character or psyche that are typically hidden, repressed, or less socially acceptable. These aspects may include traits such as aggression, jealousy, selfishness, or other negative behaviors that can emerge in certain situations. Understanding and integrating these darker aspects of the personality is often part of psychological growth and self-awareness. This time of darkness from Thanksgiving to March symbolizes rest and restoration for nature. When spring comes the land, animals, and plants will be refreshed and renewed with new growth. In our grief, we can take this same time to use it to go within ourselves to understand our grief, find our purpose, and begin anew again after the holidays and into spring. https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Night-Soul-Psychiatrist-Connection/dp/0060750553 https://eckharttolle.com/eckhart-on-the-dark-night-of-the-soul/ https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en

In today's episode of "Grieving Insomniacs," we delve into why grief can become particularly overwhelming during Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving serves as a poignant symbol of all that we have lost. It revolves around the concept of family, cherished traditions, and shared meals—a living embodiment of a Norman Rockwell painting. For a grieving mother, this holiday is a time of mourning for those who are absent. If you have any understanding of grief, it's important to recognize that the holidays can act as potent triggers for intense emotions in grieving mothers. In this episode, we explore how feelings of sadness and joy often coexist, occurring simultaneously. We emphasize that whatever emotions you may be experiencing are valid. Join us as we engage in a discussion on this complex interplay of emotions during the holiday season. https://cristihabermann.com/home/grieving-insomniacs-podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en

Summer has now turned to fall in the frozen north. Very quickly after Halloween, the first significant snowfall of the season will occur. Winter will move in and it becomes a time of reflection. This year has me reflecting on how my grief has changed over the years. The holidays are always difficult. In the 11 years since becoming a grieving mom, I have learned the importance of assessing my own ability to cope with the holidays. In the podcast today I talk about how our emotional health, mental health, and physical health can and do impact our grieving. Having traditions is critical to surviving the holidays. In this episode, I share some of my traditions with you. https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en https://cristihabermann.com/home/grieving-insomniacs-podcast/

In today's episode, I share everything I wish non-grieving people knew about grief. 1. After the death of a child the life you knew before that moment is over. 2. Grief is solitary and lonely. 3. Grief destroys relationships and your health. 4. There is no way to escape grief. You dream about it. Feel it and think about it all of the time. Please share with me what you wish people knew about grief. https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/grievinginsomniacs

In today's episode, we delve into the subject of Tonkin's Model of Grief. When exploring various grief theories through a Google search, Tonkin's Model of Grief may appear as a potential option. However, it is essential to clarify that Tonkin's model primarily pertains to the experience of parental loss, specifically the loss of a child, and emphasizes the process of adapting and growing while carrying the weight of grief. Therefore, it is not entirely accurate to categorize it as a comprehensive grief theory. This distinction holds significance because numerous online sources erroneously label Tonkin's model as a theoretical framework. In the realm of academic discourse, a genuine theory is founded on rigorous scientific evidence and offers a systematic framework for comprehending facets of the human condition, including grief. Mislabeling models as theories can lead to misconceptions and misapplications. Furthermore, we explore the transformative influence of social media on the experiences of grieving mothers. The digital landscape has emerged as a catalyst for social change, where each narrative shared and every grief-related meme disseminated contributes to the creation of a supportive and empathetic community. This communal sharing of grief narratives has facilitated a societal shift, making it more acceptable today than a decade ago to openly acknowledge enduring grief over a lifetime, a stark contrast to the era when grief was often concealed and unspoken. https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en www.cristihabermann.com

In today's episode, we discuss how to determine whether a counselor is going to meet your needs for grief counseling. This podcast episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for individuals who are seeking support and guidance through the complex journey of choosing a grief therapist. We explore various aspects of what makes a grief counselor a good match for the grief counseling process. We discuss helping listeners understand how to select the right counselor who can provide the support and assistance they need during this challenging time. We cover these topics in today's episodes: 1. How to complete an interview with a therapist that you want to hire to assist you with your grief. 2. What is a theoretical orientation and why does it matter? 3. How to inquire about what type of style the therapist uses to assist clients? 4. Which methods of counseling do they use? 5. Which grief theory models do they use to assist clients? 6. The difference between life coaching, counseling, and peer support. Leave me a message on Spotify letting me know if you like the new style of podcast or prefer the story telling style. Thanks for listening. https://www.instagram.com/grievinginsomniacs/?hl=en https://cristihabermann.com/