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@doctormfoconnor

@doctormfoconnor.bsky.social
643 followers 690 following 42 posts

Author of The Grieving Brain and The Grieving Body (Available now!) maryfrancesoconnor.org/books/the-gr… and Professor of Psychology at University of Arizona

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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
After the death of his wife, Max Mueller writes honestly about #grief in @slate.com, finding some solace in my book, The Grieving Brain. "Ohtani suggests, indirectly to be sure, that the inherited structures of grief...can break toward possibility rather than only toward loss and absence."
slate.com
When My Wife Died, My Life Was Shattered. I Found Comfort and Hope in an Unexpected Place.
While baseball’s greatest player seemed to do the impossible, I was confronting a loss that felt like the end of the world.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
@martincid.com magazine ran an interesting article about #AI: "A #griefbot has no commercial reason to help you reach the day you no longer need it..." Exploiting the #neurobiology 🧪 of #grief and attachment bonds has risks... www.martincid.com/analysis/dea...
martincid.com
The griefbot’s business model is a mourner who never says goodbye
The debate keeps asking whether it is healthy to talk to an AI of your dead mother. The sharper question is who profits when the conversation has no end.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Protest and despair are common responses to #loss. In The Grieving Body, I describe my #MultipleSclerosis leading to cycles of protest and despair, overworking to “prove” I could do everything, and despair over fragility. For the audiobook, I'm the narrator! #ChronicIllness #Fatigue #Spoonie #Grief
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
In March, you can get my first book, The Grieving Brain, for just pennies! The @harper360uk.bsky.social team has enrolled it in Amazon UK’s Kindle Monthly Deals promotion. We want everyone to to have access to the #science 🧪 of #grief and #loss. #MentalHealth #GriefJourney #Widow
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Is It Healthy to Grieve Before a Loss? Wonderful article in the @nytimes.com with links to #grief #research! 🧪 Inclusion discussion of #loss into the national conversation is so important, I am delighted to be a part of it. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/w...
nytimes.com
Is It Healthy to Grieve Before a Loss?
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
I’m happy to share that my book, THE GRIEVING BODY, has been selected for Amazon UK’s Kindle Monthly Deals promotion throughout September! Now we can share the #science behind how to support the body during #grief and #loss for just pennies! @harper360.bsky.social @harper360uk.bsky.social
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Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 27/08/2025
🚨BREAKING: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has just unlawfully placed signatories to the Katrina Declaration on administrative leave. See the letter below…🧵
A memorandum from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, dated August 26, 2025. It is addressed to a redacted recipient and issued by Joseph A. Scallan, Chief of Staff, Office of the Administrator, FEMA.Page 2 of a FEMA memorandum on administrative leave. The document advises confidentiality and directs questions to FEMA’s employee relations email.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
A favor to ask—we are currently conducting an online study 🧪 of #grieving for those who have had a death #loss between 6 months and 2 years ago—would you be willing to participate? redcap.link/missingapiec... And pass the survey link to anyone in your networks who might be willing to participate?
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Quoting The Grieving Body:“Imagine how many times after a loss we might reach out for our one-and-only, by picking up the phone to call them, or even just realizing they are not in the room. When they are not there, our grieving body reacts.”🧪#grief www.mariashriversundaypaper.com/grief-and-it...
mariashriversundaypaper.com
Grief Can Take a Toll on Your Health
Expert Mary-Frances O'Connor shares a checklist for caring for body and mind while facing life's toughest reality. Listen to this article.0:00/743.2871× In the introduction of The Grieving Body: How...
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
#Grief and #loss are hard topics to dive into, and we had a long conversation that let us dig into the details...have a listen if you are grieving or know someone who is...I think that might be everyone! www.hubermanlab.com/episode/heal...
hubermanlab.com
Healing From Grief & Loss | Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor
Explore how grief reshapes the brain and body, and learn science-based tools to process loss, from sudden death to breakups, with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
"From staggering statistics 🧪 showing a man’s heart attack risk skyrockets on the day his spouse dies, to the intimate science of how our bonds regulate our well-being, this conversation is as thought-provoking as it is moving." psychcentral.com/blog/podcast... #grief #loss #bereavement
psychcentral.com
Podcast: Is It Prolonged Grief or Depression? Understanding the Differences
Trouble moving past grief? It could be something more.
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Good Grief Festival @goodgrieffest.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Here's another sneak peek into our When Grief Is Complicated course which closes to new registrations on Tues (10th)! @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social's Gone-But-Also-Everlasting Theory is a fascinating insight into the neurobiology of love & loss youtu.be/q3f7CKOGNt0?... Want more? Visit our website!
youtu.be
The 'Gone-But-Also-Everlasting' Theory with Mary-Frances O'Connor
YouTube video by The Grief Channel
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
"From staggering statistics 🧪 showing a man’s heart attack risk skyrockets on the day his spouse dies, to the intimate science of how our bonds regulate our well-being, this conversation is as thought-provoking as it is moving." psychcentral.com/blog/podcast... #grief #loss #bereavement
psychcentral.com
Podcast: Is It Prolonged Grief or Depression? Understanding the Differences
Trouble moving past grief? It could be something more.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
#Grief is universal, and our #science 🧪cuts across all countries--join us in conversation about my new book 📚 about physical reactions to #loss hosted by @goodgrieffest.bsky.social in the UK 🇬🇧 !
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Good Grief Festival @goodgrieffest.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Mary-Frances O'Connor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social is an expert on the myriad ways that grief affects us physically & mentally. We can't wait to hear her insights at our free webinar on Weds (23 April). Sign up (& share any questions you'd like us to ask) here: ticketsource.co.uk/goodgrieffes...
Black text on white background reads 'Grieving wails and screams, not just as outward expressions of emotion, but inside our body as well. Mary-Frances O'Connor'
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
#Grief is universal, and our #science 🧪cuts across all countries--join us in conversation about my new book 📚 about physical reactions to #loss hosted by @goodgrieffest.bsky.social in the UK 🇬🇧 !
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
You really can die of a broken heart--we have the data 🧪UChicago BigBrain podcast discusses the hidden dangers of #grief with me--and how society can help. They're a great podcast--even nominated for a #webby! news.uchicago.edu/can-you-real...
news.uchicago.edu
Can you really die of a broken heart? The hidden dangers of grief with Mary Frances O'Connor
Psychologist examines the stress that loss has on the body—and how society can help
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
I sat down with Tricycle's James Shaheen and Sharon Salzberg to talk about dying of a broken heart, how #meditation can change how we show up for others, and the challenges of rediscovering a sense of purpose in the wake of #loss. #grief #mentalhealth tricycle.org/podcast/mary...
tricycle.org
The Grieving Body
Psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor explores the toll that loss takes on our bodies—and what this can teach us about care, compassion, and interdependence.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Calling Seattle! 📣 I am speaking on Sunday, March 23 at Seattle Town Hall about my new book, The Grieving Body--the science 🧪 of our reaction to #loss is #grief, physically & emotionally. townhallseattle.org/event/mary-f... @bsamjournal.bsky.social @psychscience.bsky.social @pnirs.bsky.social
townhallseattle.org
Mary-Frances O’Connor with Dr. Anthony Back | Town Hall Seattle
Despite grief being one of the most universal of human experiences, there is still much that we do not know about it. Can we die of a broken heart? What happens in our bodies as we grieve; how do our ...
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
So excited that #grief and #loss are highlighted by the #BookoftheDay from @nextbigidea.bsky.social Next Big Idea Club! The Grieving Body is the #science 🧪 of how our body reacts to many losses...and the medical consequences that can result. bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com/p/the-scienc...
bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com
The Science of Grief: What Loss Does to Your Brain and Body
A neuroscientist explains what grieving can do to your physical and mental health.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
#Insomnia is one of the hardest parts of #grief, and I'm thrilled to describe in my new book, The Grieving Body, the research 🧪 done by @dianachirinosm.bsky.social to help. Read 📚 an excerpt here: www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Honored to have my #BookBite from Next Big Idea Club @nextbigidea.bsky.social published! Read about five key insights 🧪 from my new book, The #GrievingBody. nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/sur... #grief #loss #mentalhealth #PsychSky
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Support for our frontline #NIH essential workers! Share, like, forward, and make these graphics better! 🧪 #PsychSciSky #Psychology #AcademicSky #ResearchSky @altnih4science.bsky.social @darbysaxbe.bsky.social
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Support for our frontline #NIH essential workers! Share, like, forward, and make these graphics better! 🧪 #PsychSciSky #Psychology #AcademicSky #ResearchSky @altnih4science.bsky.social @darbysaxbe.bsky.social
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
I am an avid #scifi reader...discover more about me and what I read @readingdiscord.bsky.social (Goodreads) AND BOOK GIVEAWAY! Enter for your chance to win at the link in my bio! #GrievingBrain #GrievingBody #grief #loss #selfhelp #mentalhealth
Goodreads giveaway graphic: visit link in bio to enter for a chance to win
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
The #GrievingBody aspires to #scicomm 🧪: bringing the research on physiological #grief reactions to reader's hands. And by recording the #audiobook, hopefully it brings the meaning of my words uniquely to listeners. #PsychSky #WomeninSTEM #PsychSciSky #BookSky www.harpercollins.com/products/the...
Author in a sound booth
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Today my second book, The #GrievingBody is published! Following The #GrievingBrain, it brings you the #science 🧪 behind how #grief is a physical response. And about caring for yourself, as your #body absorbs the blow after your #loss. #PsychSky #WriterSky #PsychSciSky #BookSky #WomenInSTEM
Author with 2 books.
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Hilda Bastian @hildabast.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
In the mood to honor accomplishments in microbiology? A trio of African-American women who made a mark, with Wikipedia pages to visit: Ruth Ella Moore (1903-1994). In 1933, she was the 1st African-American woman to gain a PhD in natural science en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_El... #BlackHistoryMonth
Black and white headshot of Ruth Ella Moore speaking at a podium, later in her career. She has gray hair, and is wearing glasses and pearls.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
There are just a few more days left before The Grieving Body goes on sale. Barnes & Noble is offering 25% off the book for members, when you preorder today through February 7 on bn.com. You can visit the link to preorder now! www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-grievi...
PREORDER25 code for 25% off The Grieving Body book
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Pub date is February 11 for The Grieving Body #grievingbody, about the physical #grief response. Pre-order! Also audio (read by me!) & e-book. With your help, the #science 🧪 of our bodies' response to #loss will find the many #grieving readers who need it most. www.harpercollins.com/products/the...
Cover of The Grieving Body book
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
The California #fires have brought devastating #grief, but adapting to #loss affects us means also learning to soothe ourselves and lean on our loved ones. 🧪 #psychsky apnews.com/article/how-...
apnews.com
Tips on overcoming the loss of cherished, personal belongings in disasters
Losing sentimental belongings can be traumatic for those who go through disasters that destroy homes.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
#Grief is the natural response to #loss-- but it is still helpful to understand how grief works in order to cope with it. apnews.com/article/disa...
apnews.com
How to cope when disasters strip away photos, heirlooms and other pieces of the past
They’re the possessions that tell your story. The photos of old friends and relatives. The ring your mom left you. Your grandfather’s old desk and the letters inside.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 22/12/2024
I just made a donation to YWCA of Southern Arizona, doing amazing work supporting women, children and people of color with all sorts of empowering programs! You should too! ywcatucson-bloom.kindful.com/embeds/867cf...
ywcatucson-bloom.kindful.com
YWCA of Southern Arizona | Kindful
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Fascinating #media article in the @washingtonpost.com about spreading ashes of a loved one, an ancient expression of #grief in a very modern context--Disneyland! wapo.st/4gjLCNQ
wapo.st
Disney fans want their ashes spread at parks. It’s a forbidden ritual.
Disney superfans are having their ashes spread on park rides like the Haunted Mansion. It’s a big no-no.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
Everybody grieves differently, but if you are experiencing long-lasting and intense emotions that make it difficult to experience daily life you may be experiencing Prolonged Grief. Find support this National Grief Awareness Week: www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/obs... #NGAW #grief #griefsupport
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
So delighted my new #book on #grief ( #TheGrievingBody) has been named to the list of February 2025 Must-Read Books by Next Big Idea Club! I write about the 🧪 #science behind the impact of #grieving on our physical bodies and #medical outcomes. nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/nex...
Cover of the book The Grieving Body, with a badge from the Next Big Idea Club noting it as a "must read"
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Post a picture of the sky with no explanation to bring some peace to your timeline
Sky, trees and sunflowers
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
Thrilled to see the 🧪 Public Health Model for Bereavement Support, a new and vital tool adopted by policy makers in Australia, UK, Ireland, other Europe. Empirical support of this model by Aoun and colleagues: lnkd.in/gFKDeFUZ #grief #widowhood #bereavement #EuropeanGriefConference #EGC2024.
European Grief Conference sign and my smiling faceEuropean Grief Conference sign and the public health pyramid model for bereavement support
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 11/11/2024
Delighted to be at the 🧪 European Grief Conference 2024 #EGC2024, learning about #bereavement #care, #science and #policy. In the US, we must catch up with Europe, Canada, Ireland, and Australia in our approach to #grief policies. SAMHSA Congressional report is a start: aspe.hhs.gov/sites/defaul...
aspe.hhs.gov
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 11/04/2024
You know that #grief is more accepted in our culture when #TaylorSwift gets us all talking about it...and the #science we currently have about how it works, which #AngelaHaupt describes brilliantly in her #TimeMagazine article. time.com/6965213/tayl...
time.com
Taylor Swift Is Embracing the 5 Stages of Grief. Should You?
Taylor Swift has drawn new attention to the framework, but psychologists disagree about how useful it is.
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 01/04/2024
Join me this summer! At the Cape Cod Institute (In-Person & Live-Online) about #TheGrievingBrain and meet a wonderful community of forever students of #psychology! August 19-23, 2024 www.cape.org/courses/2024... #continuingeducation #capecodinstitute #psychotherapy #grief #loss #griefjourney
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@doctormfoconnor @doctormfoconnor.bsky.social · 29/03/2024
A beautiful description today on @NPR of #grief pushing her off balance by Lauren DePino,--and research suggests that the #bereaved have more accidents. Her discovery of the present moment on the narrow stairs of Amalfi was healing in many ways at once. www.npr.org/sections/hea...
npr.org
Grief made me lose my balance. Here's how I learned to walk forward again
After a fall near the first anniversary of her beloved aunt's death, a writer explored why grief can make us less sure-footed. She found answers, climbing a precarious staircase in Italy.
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David A. Sbarra @dsbarra.bsky.social · 18/03/2024
We're looking for a new postdoc to join my lab group! Please help spread the word. Our project is collaborative study with the Washington State Twin Registry (WSTR) and affords incredible research opportunities related to the behavior genetic study of social relationships and health. Details in link
dropbox.com
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