How Do Our Brains Handle Grief

Explore the neuroscience of grief in this 17-minute TEDx talk by Mary-Frances O'Connor, associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona. Delve into why it takes time for our brains to process the loss of a loved one and how this impacts our lives. Discover how the brain manages conflicting information streams and the role of neurochemicals like oxytocin, opioids, and dopamine in creating a yearning for reunification. Learn about the brain's capacity to form new pathways and transform relationships with deceased loved ones. Gain insights from O'Connor's research at the Grief, Loss and Social Stress (GLASS) Lab, which investigates grief's effects on the brain and body. Understand how the human brain learns to navigate life after experiencing loss, balancing both grief and absence.