Grief has long been known to be psychological, but scientists now know that grief is also physiological and can impact brain function, gut health, the cardiovascular system, and breathing. But does grief also have the ability to change our bodies in positive ways?

On this episodes of The Facing Project, J.R. Jamison shares the stories of two women who experienced profound grief — one from a mother in Ohio who lost her son to gun violence, and another from a woman in Indiana who rebuilt her life after an abusive relationship. Later, he is joined by Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss.

Photo Credit – Sarah Gath via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/njp6UG

Stories included in this episode –

Life Goes On

Marjorie Jackson’s story as told to Kate Geiselman from Facing Gun Violence in Ohio. Performed by Chandra Ford.

Through the Eyes of the Past

Emma’s story as told to Madison Savage from Facing Teen Dating Violence in Muncie, Indiana. Performed by Amanda Hummer.