DeepSummary
The podcast episode features a conversation between the hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and author Sloane Crosley about her memoir Grief is for People. Crosley shares her experience of losing her dear friend Russell to suicide and the profound grief she went through. She discusses the complexities of navigating that particular type of grief, the difficulty in understanding why someone would choose to die by suicide, and the search for answers that comes with that.
A major theme explored is the stigma surrounding suicide and the reluctance people have in openly discussing it. Crosley emphasizes the importance of talking about suicide and not shying away from it, as it can help alleviate the loneliness and confusion that often accompany such a loss. The conversation also touches on the hierarchy of grief, where societal norms dictate that the grief of a friend may not be seen as valid as that of a family member.
Crosley offers insights into coping with grief, such as the power of living in the present moment and not getting caught up in the past or worrying about the future. She also shares her realization that she had to choose to be on the side of the living, even though it felt like a disloyalty to her friend initially. Overall, the episode provides a raw and honest exploration of the complex emotions surrounding the loss of a friend to suicide.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Suicide is a difficult and often stigmatized topic, but open discussions about it can help alleviate the loneliness and confusion surrounding such a loss.
- Grief over the loss of a friend is valid and should not be diminished by societal hierarchies that prioritize grief over family members.
- Living in the present moment can provide temporary respite from the overwhelming grief and questions that arise after a loved one's suicide.
- Humor and wit can be a useful coping mechanism when dealing with heavy topics like grief and loss.
- The desire to understand the reasons behind a loved one's suicide is natural, but it's also important to accept that some questions may never be answered.
- Choosing to rejoin the living after a profound loss can feel like a disloyalty to the deceased, but it's a necessary part of the grieving process.
- Suicide should be approached with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or the notion that it needs to be forgiven.
- Friendships can be just as profound and meaningful as family relationships, and the grief over losing a close friend is valid and significant.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Birds are singing, the sun is out, spring has sprung. Has your wardrobe followed suit? If not, you can get a refresh with bombas, my favorite brand for socks, tees and underwear that also has an amazing mission that we support wholeheartedly.“ by Speaker A
- “The other day, our daughter said, we need to stop talking so much shit every place we leave. She said that to us. Yeah, yeah, we're gonna work on that.“ by Glennon Doyle
- “Do you have to forgive a person who dies by suicide? To be gobsmacked by suicide, to consider it in need of forgiveness is to deny what the world is like for others to decide that darkness exists in service to light, that darkness is the glitch and lightness is the control, because that's how it is for you.“ by Sloane Crosley
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Episode Information
We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle and Audacy
5/30/24