A Gift For Grief

On 28th October 2016 our beautiful son Matthew died and this year marks his 10th anniversary. Ten years of missing him, loving him, remembering him and learning how to live in a world without him. Grief changes us in ways we could never have imagined. Alongside the heartache, there have been unexpected gifts, moments of growth and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with loss. In this special, very personal episode I reflect on Ten Years Without Matthew and the gifts grief has brought me. This episode is dedicated to Matthew, who will always be part of our lives and our story. If you're living with grief too, I hope my reflections bring you a little comfort and remind you that love doesn't end when someone dies. Connect with your host Louise Bates - https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this conversation has helped you, please consider following or subscribing to A Gift For Grief . Leaving a review and sharing the episode helps these important conversations reach more people who may need them. #grief #podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do our loved ones really send us signs after they die? And if they do, how do we recognise them? Following on from Part 1, I'm bringing you more moving, thought-provoking and sometimes unexpected stories from previous guests on A Gift for Grief – Life After Loss. These are personal experiences that have stayed with me, reminding me just how differently we all experience grief, and how the smallest things can sometimes carry the greatest meaning. From unexpected encounters and meaningful coincidences to moments that seem to arrive at exactly the right time, we continue exploring one of life's biggest questions: Could our loved ones still be finding ways to connect with us after death? The inspiration for this special two-part compilation came after listening to Steven Bartlett's conversation with neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart on The Diary of a CEO. Their discussion about consciousness, life after death and the possibility of receiving signs from those who have died prompted me to revisit some of the remarkable stories shared by guests on my own podcast. As with Part 1, this isn't about proving anything or telling anyone what they should believe. Whether you're spiritual, religious, atheist, agnostic or simply curious, there's room here for your own thoughts, questions and experiences. Grief is deeply personal, and so are the ways we make sense of the world after someone we love dies. For some people, these moments are unmistakable signs. For others, they may be coincidences or a source of comfort without any particular explanation. And perhaps we don't always need to have all the answers. I'd love to hear from you. Have you ever experienced something that made you stop and wonder whether someone you love was letting you know they were still with you? Perhaps it was a dream, an unexpected encounter, a familiar sound or something that happened at just the right moment. I'd love to hear your story. You never know how sharing your experience might bring comfort to someone else navigating life after loss. If you've found these conversations comforting or thought-provoking, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who might appreciate it. Thank you for listening and for being part of this growing community. Recommended reading Signs – Dr Tara Swart E-Squared – Pam Grout Signs - Laura Lynne Jackson Mentioned in this episode The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett: https://stevenbartlett.com Connect with your host Louise Bates - https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this conversation has helped you, please consider following or subscribing to A Gift For Grief . Leaving a review and sharing the episode helps these important conversations reach more people who may need them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do our loved ones really send us signs? Can a white feather, a robin, a butterfly, or even a golf ball be more than coincidence? In this special compilation episode I bring together some of the most moving conversations I've had with previous guests as we explore one of the questions that fascinates so many people: Is there life after death and do our loved ones find ways to let us know they're still with us? The inspiration for this episode came after listening to Steven Bartlett's conversation with neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart on The Diary of a CEO. Their discussion about consciousness, life after death, and the possibility of receiving signs from loved ones became one of the podcast's most listened-to episodes and inspired me to revisit the incredible stories my own guests have shared. Whether you're a firm believer, an atheist, agnostic, spiritual, religious, or simply curious, this episode offers a wide range of honest perspectives. There are no right or wrong answers, only deeply personal experiences that have brought comfort, hope, and meaning to people living with grief. Along the way we explore some of the signs people commonly report, including: White feathers Butterflies Robins Rainbows Meaningful coincidences Dreams Intuitive feelings Hearing a loved one's voice Unexpected moments that bring comfort Ultimately, this episode isn't about proving whether the afterlife exists. It's about listening to people's experiences with an open mind and recognising the comfort these moments can bring during grief. I'd love to hear from you... Have you ever experienced what you believe was a sign from someone you've lost? Was it a feather, a butterfly, a robin, a dream or something impossible to explain? Email me and let me know. Your experience may bring comfort to someone else walking through grief. If this episode resonated with you, I'd be incredibly grateful if you could follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need a little hope today. Recommended Books: Signs by Dr Tara Swart E – Squared by Pam Grout The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett https://stevenbartlett.com If this conversation has helped you, please consider following or subscribing to A Gift For Grief . Leaving a review and sharing the episode helps these important conversations reach more people who may need them. Connect with your host Louise: https://www.louisebates.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are some birthdays I will never stop celebrating in my heart. People often say that time heals, but if you've lost someone you love, you'll know that grief doesn't heal, it changes. You learn to carry it, and somehow you learn to carry the love too. That's what this episode is about. In this episode I reflect on the journey of living with loss, and read the beautiful poem - The Dash. This poem reminds us that our lives are not measured simply by the dates at the beginning and end, but by the little dash between them. That tiny line represents every smile, every act of kindness, every challenge overcome, every person we've loved, and every life we've touched. Matthew's dash lasted just 27 years, but the love he gave and the difference he made continue to ripple through the lives of those who knew him. His story reminds me that it isn't the length of our lives that matters most, it's how we choose to live them. If you're grieving someone you love, I hope this episode brings you comfort. I hope it reminds you that love doesn't end when a life does, and that the people we miss most continue to shape who we are every single day. Thank you for allowing me to share Matthew with you. His life will always be one of the greatest gifts I've ever known, and I hope that, through this episode, his legacy encourages you to treasure every precious moment of your own dash. I recorded this special birthday episode in Matthew's memory. Together we reflect on the beautiful poem The Dash and what it teaches us about grief, love, legacy, and living a life that matters. Whether you're grieving a child, a parent, a partner, a sibling, or a friend, I hope this episode brings comfort and reminds you that love never dies. If this conversation has helped you, please consider following or subscribing to A Gift For Grief . Leaving a review and sharing the episode helps these important conversations reach more people who may need them. Connect with your host Louise: https://www.louisebates.co.uk/ Credit: The Dash poem, written by Linda Ellis, copyright Southwestern Family of Companies ( www.thedashpoem.com ), Used by Permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode, Louise is joined by Richard Ganjavi, who shares the heartbreaking experience of grieving the loss of his daughter, Bella, while celebrating the arrival of her twin sister Penelope (Penny). Richard speaks with honesty and compassion about receiving the heartbreaking news at a routine 34-week scan that one of the twins had died, meeting both daughters just two days later, and navigating the impossible emotions of welcoming one baby into the world while saying goodbye to another. He shares the precious memories made during Bella's short time with her family, the exceptional care they received from the staff at Warwick Hospital, and the incredible support provided by organisations dedicated to helping bereaved families. Richard also talks about writing his children's book, Whispers of a Purple Butterfly , explaining how storytelling became part of his own healing journey while creating something that offers hope and comfort to other families facing baby loss. This conversation is a powerful reminder that grief and joy can exist side by side, and that love continues long after someone dies. In this episode we discuss: The unique grief of losing one twin while welcoming another Receiving devastating news during a routine pregnancy scan Creating precious memories with a baby after stillbirth The importance of Cuddle Cots and giving families the gift of time Life in the Special Care Baby Unit while grieving The emotional challenges of parenting after baby loss The compassion of healthcare professionals The meaning of the Purple Butterfly symbol Support available for bereaved parents How writing became part of Richard's healing journey Faith, hope and finding meaning after profound loss Living with grief while embracing joy Recommended book: Whispers of a Purple Butterfly by Richard Ganjavi – Available from Amazon. https://bit.ly/4vUMoba Connect with Richard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rganjaviwriter The Lily Mae Foundation https://www.lilymaefoundation.org The Skye High Foundation https://www.theskyehighfoundation.com/ The Luca Foundation https://thelucafoundation.org.uk/ Purple Butterfly Initiative (supporting families who lose one or more babies from a multiple pregnancy) https://www.theskyehighfoundation.co.uk/gallery Jasper's Rainbow – Supporting bereaved parents and families following the loss of a baby. Their resources offer comfort, practical guidance and ongoing support. Website: https://jaspersrainbow.com/\ Previous episode mentioned Episode 19 – Sharon Luca Hatha Louise speaks with Sharon Luca-Hatha whose own experience of stillbirth inspired the creation of The Luca Foundation. Through her work, thousands of bereaved families have been given the precious gift of time with their babies through the provision of Cuddle Cots in maternity units across the UK. About Richard Richard Ganjavi is a primary school teacher, author and father. Following the loss of his daughter Bella while expecting twins, he wrote Whispers of a Purple Butterfly to help children and families navigate love, remembrance and baby loss with honesty, hope and compassion. Please remember that you are not alone. Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but there is support available. If this conversation has helped you, please consider following or subscribing to A Gift For Grief . Leaving a review and sharing the episode helps these important conversations reach more people who may need them. Connect with Louise: https://www.louisebates.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I'm joined by Anna-Maria, a widow, a mother of three, and advocate for bereaved families. Following the death of her husband, Dermot in 2024, Anna-Maria found herself facing not only the devastating reality of grief but also a welfare system she believes is failing widowed families across the UK. We talk about Dermot's cancer diagnosis, the challenges of raising three children through loss, the reality of life after bereavement, and the impact grief has had on their family. Anna-Maria also shares why she became involved with the Widows Fight UK campaign, which is calling for urgent reform of Bereavement Support Payment, and discusses its recent success in bringing the issue before Parliament. This is an honest conversation about love, loss, resilience, and why no bereaved family should have to fight for financial security while trying to rebuild their lives. Recommended book: Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson Link to Widow's Fight UK here Link to Widow's Fight UK Facebook page here Sign/Follow the petition here Widow's Fight Instagram page here Widow's Fight TikToc page here Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #GriefPodcast #BereavementSupportPayment #GriefSupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with TEDx speaker, grief advocate, and mother Nicola Marshall. Nicola's life changed forever when her 12-year-old son, Lucas, tragically fell from a balcony while the family was on holiday in Spain. The unimaginable loss of a child is something no parent expects to face, yet Nicola has found a way to transform her pain into purpose. Since Lucas's death, Nicola has dedicated herself to helping others navigate grief, loss, and life after tragedy. Through her speaking, coaching, and advocacy work, she has become a source of hope and understanding for people facing some of life's darkest moments. This episode is an honest and powerful exploration of love, loss, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Nicola's story is heartbreaking, but it is also one of courage, compassion, and finding meaning in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. Recommended Books: The Body keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk. Nicola’s Links: TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYF_4m4r5Yw Web: www.nicola-marshall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicola.marshall.752 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolamarshall.griefandgrace/?hl=en-gb Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #ChildLoss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode of A Gift For Grief , we explore a form of grief that often goes unseen: the grief that comes with chronic illness, loss of identity, and the life we once imagined. Wenke Langhof author of, From Endo War to Inner Peace - joins us to share her powerful journey through stage IV endometriosis. What began as a debilitating physical condition became a profound path of inner transformation, reshaping her relationship with her body, her beliefs, and her sense of self. This conversation is honest, expansive, and ultimately hopeful. It offers insight not only for those living with chronic illness, but for anyone navigating loss, healing, and personal growth. We discuss: The hidden grief of chronic illness and living with endometriosis Losing and rebuilding your sense of identity and connection to your body Wenke’s alternative healing journey, including holistic and scientific approaches The role of mindset, belief systems, and emotional healing in recovery The balance between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing Ancestral trauma and how it may influence our health and wellbeing The impact of pain as a teacher and catalyst for transformation Spirituality, signs from loved ones, and perspectives on the afterlife Key Takeaways: Grief is not limited to bereavement - it can stem from losing health, identity, and control Healing is rarely linear and often requires a multi-dimensional approach Our relationship with our body can shift from conflict to compassion and understanding Exploring unconventional paths can sometimes lead to unexpected breakthroughs Hope itself can be a powerful and healing force Connect with Wenke: www.wenke-langhof.com FB @wenke Langhof Gold IG@ wenkelanghof YouTube Wenke Langhof Recommended Books: Wenke Langhof’s Book: From Endo War to Inner Peace https://amzn.eu/d/05N85Qrc Evette Rose: Metaphysical Anatomy: Your body is talking, are you listening? Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife by Eben Alexander The Body keeps The Score by Bessel van Der Kolk Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #Endometriosis #EndometriosisCure Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this special milestone episode of A Gift for Grief - Life After Loss. In this 50th episode, I step away from interviews to share something deeply personal, the inner experience that has shaped my own grief journey over the past nine years. This episode explores the ongoing dialogue between two parts of myself: the human mind, which feels the raw pain of loss, and the spiritual mind, which offers a sense of peace, perspective, and continued connection. If you’ve ever felt torn between deep sorrow and moments of calm or meaning, this conversation may resonate with you. In This Episode, I Share: What it’s really like living with grief 9 years after losing my son Matthew The internal conflict between emotional pain and spiritual understanding Why grief doesn’t disappear — but life can grow around it How both heartbreak and healing can exist at the same time The importance of allowing all feelings without judgement A comforting perspective on love, memory, and continued connection Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #Endometriosis #ChildLoss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Bee, both a therapist and the founder of Rage Rooms Leamington Spa. In this episode we talk about a powerful and often overlooked side of grief - anger. Lucy brings a unique perspective on grief, emotional suppression, and why sometimes talking alone isn’t enough. In this conversation, we explore how movement, expression, and safe release can play a role in healing. Lucy created her rage room as a place where people can safely release what they’re holding inside. While smashing objects might sound unusual at first, the intention behind it is deeply therapeutic - allowing people to physically move emotions that feel stuck in the body. We also dive into Lucy’s personal experiences with grief, what helped her move forward, and why acknowledging the full spectrum of emotions, including anger can be an important part of the healing process. If you’ve ever felt like your grief doesn’t fit the neat, quiet version society expects, this episode may help you feel less alone. Recommended reading: The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel van der Kolk The Courage To Be Disliked - Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Metaphysical Anatomy - Dr. Evette Rose Tapping Therapy (EFT) - www.thetappingsolution.com Connect With Lucy Bee – theinsidejobwithlucybee@gmail.com www.ragerooms-leamingtonspa.co.uk Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #Endometriosis #RageRoom #TheBodyKeepsTheScore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Gentle Note: This episode contains discussion of mental health struggles, trauma, and the death of a young person. Please listen with care and seek support if you need it. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Marianne Griffiths, a mother who shares her experience of losing her adult daughter - first through years of separation and struggle, and later through her heartbreaking sudden death in 2019 from SUDEP. SUDEP stands for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. It refers to the sudden, unexplained death of someone with epilepsy who was otherwise healthy, where no other clear cause is found after investigation. In this deeply moving and important conversation, Marianne shares the story of her daughter, Abi, a young woman who spent much of her life fighting to be understood, supported, and believed. From an early age, Abi faced learning difficulties, mental health challenges, and repeated trauma. Her family spent years navigating education systems, social services, and mental health support in search of the right care. Along the way, there were moments of hope, heartbreak, and resilience. This is a conversation about unconditional love, advocacy, and the urgent need to listen to vulnerable voices before it’s too late. In This Episode, We Explore: Marianne’s journey as a mother navigating complex systems Abi’s early life and the challenges she faced The impact of separation when a child is taken into care Living with ambiguous grief and loss The reality of grieving twice Advocacy within education, social care, and mental health services The importance of being heard, seen, and believed Remembering Abi and the legacy she leaves behind Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #MentalHealth #Epilepsy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moving house is one of the most stressful things we can do. When you’ve spent 28 years building a life in one place, leaving becomes even harder - especially after losing a loved one who shared that space with you. As I prepare to leave the home we’ve lived in for nearly three decades, I’ve been reflecting on how our places and possessions quietly hold the stories of our lives. In this episode, I share what it’s like to sort through decades of memories, how difficult it is to let go, and how we begin to decide what we carry with us into the next chapter. Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #MentalHealth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we explore a form of grief that is so often minimised, misunderstood, or pushed aside: the loss of a beloved pet. I’m joined by Debbie McLeod, known as The Midlife Mystic Mentor. Debbie is a counsellor, hypnotherapist, medium, spiritual guide, and the author of Best Friends Forever: Practical Steps and Wisdom to Ease the Pain of Pet Loss. Her work gently bridges emotional support with spiritual understanding, helping people navigate some of life’s most tender experiences. Together, we dive into why losing a pet can feel so devastating, how to honour that grief, and the deep, spiritual connections many of us feel with our animals. Debbie's book: https://debbiemcleod.co.uk/services Connect with Debbie: instagram.com/midlifemysticmentor Facebook - Midlife Mystic Mentor https://www.facebook.com/DebbieandMollie/ Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #PetLoss #RainbowBridge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s deeply moving episode, I’m joined in the studio by Helen Smith mum to Evelyn, her beautiful daughter who tragically died when she was just seven years old. Evelyn’s death was particularly heartbreaking, because it was something that could have been prevented. Since that unimaginable loss, Helen has been learning to live with both grief, trauma and PTSD and her loss has shaped every part of her life. Yet from that deep heartbreak, Helen has created something truly special; a charity called Evelyn’s Gift, which shares kindness and compassion in Evelyn’s memory. Through this work, Helen has found small moments of light and a sense of purpose. In this episode, Helen opens up about: What life was like before Evelyn died The events leading up to her daughter’s death and the devastating realisation that it was avoidable The long, painful journey of seeking answers through an inquest and civil litigation The ongoing fight for truth, accountability, and change How Evelyn’s Gift was born from grief, and how it continues to spread kindness in Evelyn’s name We also talk about the challenges of medical trust and accountability, sharing personal reflections from my own experience with my son Matthew’s illness and the haunting “what ifs” that so many bereaved parents live with. During our conversation, I also highlight the story of Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old engineer whose preventable death inspired ‘ Jess’s Rule’ , a vital reminder to doctors to take action when patients repeatedly present with the same symptoms. Helen’s courage, honesty, and compassion shine through every word. Her story is not just about loss, it’s about turning pain into purpose, finding meaning through kindness, and keeping her daughter’s spirit alive in the most beautiful way. So grab yourself a cuppa (and maybe a box of tissues) and sit back as Helen shares her powerful story and one that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Connect with Helen through her wonderful charity www.evelynsgift.co.uk Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #MentalHealth #ChildLoss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether your loss was sudden or expected, the first days and weeks can feel surreal, like the world is still spinning while you’re standing completely still. Louise shares her own honest and tender experience of losing her son Matthew, offering listeners reassurance that every reaction in grief is a normal one. This episode explores: What those first hours and days after a loss can feel like The shock, numbness, and disbelief that often protect us in the beginning Why anticipatory grief doesn’t make the final moment any easier How emotions in early grief move in waves - sometimes tsunamis The fog, exhaustion, and confusion of that first week The strange push-and-pull of practical tasks in the middle of heartbreak The loneliness that can appear even when you’re surrounded by people The moment when the world seems to 'move on' while your grief is still raw The importance of glimmers, those tiny sparks of relief, laughter, or peace Why healing isn’t about forgetting, but about growing around your grief This episode reminds listeners that grief has no timeline. There is no right way to feel. Early grief is not meant to be solved - it is meant to be survived, one breath and one step at a time. Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #ChildLoss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I explore a side of grief that is often overlooked but profoundly important: the way grief shows up in the body. We tend to think of grief as emotional or psychological - but our bodies feel it just as deeply. From exhaustion and sleep changes to physical tension, aches, heaviness, digestive issues, and that sense of being stuck, the body often speaks before the mind can make sense of what’s happening. Drawing on personal experience, therapeutic insight, and the somatic wisdom explored in The Body Keeps the Score , Louise gently explains how grief impacts the nervous system and why these physical symptoms are not signs of weakness, but natural responses to profound loss. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How grief affects the body Stress responses like elevated cortisol, racing heartbeat, and weakened immunity Physical expressions of grief: tightness, heaviness, insomnia, aches, digestion changes Why symptoms like globus sensation (a lump in the throat) can appear during grief How tension, pain, and sensation can reflect emotional states Why the body remembers what the mind tries to manage I lead listeners through a gentle body scan, inviting awareness of breath, tension, and sensation without judgment, without needing to fix anything. Somatic tools that help grief move Gentle yoga for grounding, breath awareness, and emotional softening Breathwork to calm the nervous system and create emotional space Somatic therapy to help release stuck grief Everyday movement, as simple as walking or swaying, to help your body process loss I share my own personal experience of using EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and EMDR therapy. Somatic tools that help to regulate the nervous system, release stuck emotion, and reconnect with a sense of inner safety. Recommended Reading: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #MentalHealth #TheBodyKeepsTheScore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak with Vanessa May, a London-based writer, holistic grief coach, and certified grief educator. As a bereaved mother and widow, Vanessa has endured more loss than most could imagine in one lifetime, yet she’s transformed her pain into purpose. After losing her son Harry, her husband Anthony, and her father in quick succession, Vanessa dedicated her life to helping others navigate the landscape of grief. Known for her raw honesty, compassion, and wisdom, Vanessa embodies the ' wounded healer' , reminding us that grief isn’t something to get over, it’s something we learn to live alongside. This episode dives deep into the spiritual beliefs that continue to support her, including soul contracts and signs from the other side. Books: Finding Meaning by David Kessler Journey of Souls by Michael Newton It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine Groups: The Compassionate Friends: https://www.tcf.org.uk/professional/ Therapy: Havening: https://www.havening.org/ EMDR Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Breath Work Yoga for grief Connect with Vanessa: Author website: https://www.vanessamay.co.uk/ Holistic Grief Coaching: https://wellbeingandnutrition.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/may.wellbeing.griefsupport/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticgriefsupport When Grief Takes Everything: A Survival Guide To Devastating Loss: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1068196106/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FTjfx4BGEGh5OtMwWsPp3QyzSIQ13pdbJDMjYetAwlXGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.oR8DgquK--qkSNuoU9m646vmb259bZaIqyEVSJyWt8c&qid=1760187628&sr=1-1 Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of A Gift For Grief, I'm diving into a question many people who are grieving may think about: "How do I know if what I’m feeling is grief, or if it’s depression?" Both can feel heavy, isolating, and overwhelming - but they’re not the same thing. I'll talk through some of the ways grief shows up differently from depression, where they sometimes overlap, and why it matters to understand the distinction. This isn’t about putting labels on your pain, it’s about giving yourself language, compassion, and clarity. My hope is that by the end, you’ll feel less alone in whatever you’re experiencing, and more supported in finding the help you need. If you’ve ever wondered whether your grief is “normal,” or worried it might be something more, this episode offers gentle guidance and reassurance. In this episode, I’ll talk about: •What makes grief unique. •What sets depression apart. •The places where they overlap. •And most importantly, how to recognize when it might be time to reach out for extra support. Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates https://silenceofsuicidesos.org.uk/contact-us/ https://www.samaritans.org/ https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/ If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #MentalHealth #Depression Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After early retirement and the heartbreaking loss of both her parents, Sue Williams turned to creativity and spirituality as a way to heal. What started as journaling soon transformed into poetry, eventually leading to her award-winning book, I Am Unique. Since then, Sue has gone on to create oracle cards, publish anthologies amplifying women’s voices, and inspire countless others to embrace creativity as a tool for self-discovery, healing, and transformation, especially in midlife and beyond. Sue’s story is a moving reminder that even in the depths of loss, courage and creativity can help us reconnect with ourselves and what we’re here to share with the world. Recommended reading: The Artists Way by Julia Cameron Sue Williams books: Believe You Can Succeed Believe You Can Face Your Fears and Confidently Claim a Life You Love Believe You Can Live a Life You Love at 50+ Golden Threads Women's Shared Wisdom from the Tapestry of Life I Am Unique Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #Family Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and deeply important episode, we open up a conversation that many still find difficult to have about suicide, and bereavement by suicide. I’m joined by representatives from the incredible charity SOS Silence of Suicide, whose mission is to challenge stigma, encourage open dialogue, and ensure that no one feels they have to suffer in silence. Their message is simple yet profound: Stop the Silence, Start the Conversation. Together, we explore: The importance of speaking openly about mental health and suicidal thoughts How silence can be more dangerous than the struggle itself Support for those bereaved by suicide How SOS is working to create safe, non-judgmental spaces for anyone in crisis The transformative power of compassion, listening, and shared humanity We all open up about our own personal experiences and this episode may be sensitive for some listeners, so please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that support is available — you are not alone. Learn more about SOS Silence of Suicide: Website: silenceofsuicidesos.org.uk Facebook: SOS Silence of Suicide Instagram: @sossilenceofsuicide Twitter: @SOS_Initiatives If this episode moved you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might need it. You help this show reach others walking their own path through grief. Connect with your host Louise Bates: https://linktr.ee/louisebates #Grief #GriefSupport #Bereavement #Loss #HealingAfterLoss #GriefJourney #LifeAfterLoss #Grieving #GriefAwareness #GriefPodcast #MentalHealth #SuicideAwarness #SOS #StartTheConversation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.