Grief, PTSD, and Synthetic Opioid Loss: Finding Peace While Carrying the Pain

After losing her son to a synthetic opioid, therapist and podcast host Malisa Hepner shares her lived experience of navigating grief and PTSD in real time. This episode explores the reality that grief is not just a feeling but an ongoing experience, how trauma responses show up after sudden loss, and the grounded practices helping her find moments of peace without abandoning her grief.

Grief doesn't have to be something you "resolve"—it's something you learn to carry. When your nervous system becomes activated, focus on regulation before meaning-making. Try this: pause, name what's happening in your body (not just your thoughts), and choose one grounding action (breathwork, stepping outside, placing your hand on your chest). You can hold both—deep grief and moments of peace—without betraying your love.

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

$3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission
$5-Ad free episodes
$10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook
$30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space)

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Mentioned in this episode:

9 days after: Honoring Jake - Spotify, Apple

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(300)

Why Your Brain Assumes the Worst: Breaking Free from Anxiety and Overthinking

In this solo episode, host Malisa Hepner explores how the brain predicts danger, fills in missing information, and mistakes old emotional patterns for present-day reality. Learn why uncertainty feels ...

29 Juni 26min

Interdependence, Spirituality, and Finding Meaning After Loss

In this episode, Malisa Hepner sits down with Joe Elefante for a thoughtful conversation about spirituality, identity, and the healing power of connection. Together, they explore how loss can reshape ...

26 Juni 48min

Body Positivity and Overcoming the Inner Critic

In this episode of Emotionally Unavailable, Malisa Hepner welcomes back Julia Trehane for a conversation about authenticity, self-acceptance, and the stories we tell ourselves. Together, they explore ...

24 Juni 1h 1min

Why We Struggle to Connect: Trauma, Attachment Styles, and Emotional Safety

Why do some relationships feel safe while others leave us feeling disconnected, anxious, or misunderstood? In this solo episode, Malisa Hepner explores how early life experiences, trauma, and attachme...

22 Juni 30min

The Power of Human Connection: Authentic Conversations, Circling, and Relational Growth

Host, Malisa Hepner, sits down with Guy Sengstock, founder of The Circling Institute, and they discuss deep conversations, relational practices, emotional presence, and how meaningful dialogue can fos...

19 Juni 56min

Self-Responsibility and the Power of Intentional Living

Host, Malisa Hepner, welcomes back Julie Cyvonne, microdosing mentor, for a thoughtful conversation about personal growth, community, spirituality, and the role of self-responsibility in creating a me...

17 Juni 54min

The Question Beneath Everything: Am I Only Valuable When…?

What if the beliefs driving your relationships, work, and self-esteem can be traced back to one question? In this solo episode, Malisa Hepner explores the moments that taught her to equate worth with ...

15 Juni 27min

Perspective, Ego & the Stories We Tell Ourselves

In this solo episode, host, Malisa Hepner, reflects on perspective and the powerful role our internal narratives play in shaping our experiences. Drawing from recent conversations and personal insight...

12 Juni 23min