Abiding in grief: finding our humanity in love and loss

In this episode of Unravelling, Kurt interviews Dr. Drew Pate, a psychiatrist, who discusses the complex nature of grief and loss. He shares his journey into understanding grief, which began early in his career and became more personal after the losses of his father and wife. He highlights how grief is often misunderstood and pathologized in society, rather than recognized as a natural part of the human experience. The conversation delves into the importance of accepting grief, the challenges of supporting those who are grieving, and how experiences of loss can change one's perspective on life. The episode offers insights into the universal yet deeply personal experience of grief, and how to better support themselves and others through it.

Resources

If you're grieving and looking for support, Dr. Pate recommends connecting with local religious and specialty disease organizations, which often offer grief support groups. Your community hospice can be a good place to start—​many hospice programs offer grief groups or can refer you to a professional who can help. Dr. Pate also recommends the book, "Three Roads Back," which profiles three American writers and thinkers who dealt with personal tragedies early in their careers.