Grief is something every one of us will experience, yet so few of us are taught how to understand it, process it or support others through it.
This week we're joined by Deb Brown, founder of Lessons in Loss, former headteacher and specialist in grief recovery, for a powerful conversation about loss, healing and why our schools need to do so much more to support children and young people.
Deb's journey began with a moment that stopped her in her tracks.
A friend gently pointed out that she'd been unusually snappy while ordering a coffee. It was a small comment, but it prompted a huge realisation. She wasn't angry at all—she was carrying unresolved grief following the death of her mum.
As she began to explore her own experience, Deb uncovered a significant gap in education. Schools are often expected to support children through some of life's most difficult experiences, yet many teachers have received little or no training in grief.
What happens when a class loses a teacher? A child loses a parent, grandparent or beloved pet? A family is affected by suicide? Or a parent goes to prison?
Determined to make a difference, Deb immersed herself in the research and has developed resources for schools and works with education settings across the UK, helping children, families and school staff better understand grief and recovery.
Alongside her professional work, Deb shares the daily practices that have supported her own healing—including gratitude journalling and learning to challenge negative self-talk by consciously "flipping" it into something kinder and more constructive.
Practice gratitude every day and be aware of your inner dialogue. When negative thoughts appear, pause and ask yourself how you can 'flip' them into something more helpful and compassionate.
Small changes in the way we speak to ourselves can make a profound difference to how we experience life.
If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, leave us a review and share it with someone who may be navigating grief themselves or supporting someone who is.
Grief isn't something to "get over"—it's something we learn to carry. Conversations like this help us do it with more understanding, compassion and hope.
Every episode is designed to help you become 1% happier and healthier, one small step at a time.
A big thank you to Pixabay for providing our intro and outro music, "Inspirational Background" by AudioCoffee.
Ann & Sally
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