Episode notes
Have you ever felt guilty about a relationship that isn't what you hoped it would be?
Maybe you keep wondering if you should call. Reach out. Try one more time. Or maybe you're caring for someone whose illness has changed the person they used to be, and you can't shake the feeling that you're grieving, even though they're still here.
In this episode of The Care Collective Podcast, we're exploring a question that changed the way I understood my own emotions:
What if it isn't guilt? What if it's grief?
We'll talk about the hidden grief of losing someone while they're still alive, why caregivers often experience this long before a loved one dies, and how grief can show up in dementia, chronic illness, addiction, estrangement, and complicated family relationships.
Together, we'll explore:
- Why grief doesn't always begin with death
- The difference between guilt and grief
- Grieving the relationship you wish you had
- Why acceptance doesn't mean approval
- A simple exercise that helped me process complicated emotions
If you've ever found yourself mourning someone who is still here, this episode is a reminder that your grief is real, even if no one else can see it.
🎧 If this episode resonates with you, share it with another caregiver or someone navigating a complicated relationship. Sometimes the hardest grief is the one no one realizes you're carrying.
Listen to The Care Collective Podcast
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About The Care Collective Podcast
The Care Collective Podcast shares honest conversations about caregiving, aging, grief, resilience, and the emotional realities of supporting the people we love. Our goal is to help caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.