Why separation can leave you exhausted, forgetful and emotionally overwhelmed.

Have you ever stood in the supermarket and forgotten why you were there? Cried because someone asked what was for dinner? Walked into a room only to completely lose your train of thought?

If you're going through separation or divorce and wondering, "What's wrong with me?"—this episode is for you.

In this honest conversation, I unpack what divorce is really doing to your brain, body, and nervous system, and why so many mothers feel like they're barely holding it together. We'll explore why may feel exhausted, why simple decisions may suddenly feel impossible, and why the emotional load of divorce is so much heavier than most people realise.

You'll also learn about the four survival responses with relevant examples directly related to separation and how they quietly shape the way you cope during one of life's biggest transitions.

Most importantly, you'll discover why your reactions make sense and why you don't need to carry the shame that so many women do.

If you've been telling yourself to "just get it together," this episode is your reminder that you're not weak—you've been carrying an invisible load for far too long.

You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of what's happening inside your body, practical ways to begin calming your nervous system, and the reassurance that healing doesn't start with being stronger—it starts with understanding yourself.

Take a breath, press play, and know you're not walking this road alone.

Need More Support?

Chrissy also offers one-on-one coaching and a four-week How to Survive Divorce programme.

You can learn more at: https://www.thisismechrissy.com

or contact Chrissy at me@thisismechrissy.com

00:51 — Why Divorce Can Make You Feel Broken

Chrissy begins the episode by exploring why divorce can leave women feeling overwhelmed, forgetful, emotional and as though they are losing their mind.

04:33 — Understanding the Nervous System

Chrissy breaks down the nervous system in simple terms, describing it as the body’s internal safety system that constantly asks, “Am I safe right now?”

05:30 — When Emotional Danger Feels Like Physical Danger

This chapter explores why the brain and body can respond to divorce stress as though they are under threat, creating symptoms such as panic, insomnia and brain fog.

06:50 — Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn

Chrissy introduces the four main nervous system survival responses and explains that there is no “right” way to respond to trauma or stress.

07:48 — Fight: Anger, Control and Defensiveness

09:49 — Flight: Constant Busyness and Avoidance

10:51 — Freeze: Numbness, Shutdown and Disconnection

12:27 — Fawn: People-Pleasing and Over-Accommodating

14:00 — The Invisible Emotional Load of Divorce

This chapter explores how women are often expected to keep parenting, working, managing school life and making major decisions while internally falling apart.

16:34 — Decision Fatigue and Chronic Overwhelm

Chrissy shares how even simple choices, such as what to eat for dinner, can feel impossible when your system is overloaded.

17:57 — Why You Cannot Think Your Way Out of This

Chrissy explains why overthinking, analysing and replaying the past cannot heal an overwhelmed nervous system on their own.

20:21 — Regulation techniques and tools

Chrissy explores different ways to regulate and calm the body to help manage through this season.

Podcast references (no affiliations)

• Book mentioned: Breath by James Nestor
• David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness
• Book mentioned: Power vs Force by David Hawkins

In this opening episode Chrissy explores the hidden grief of divorce and why it often feels so confusing, overwhelming and isolating. Through personal stories, practical insights and gentle guidance, she offers a new way to understand what you're experiencing and why it's not so easy to just "move on."

Drawing on her own lived experience, Chrissy shares the hidden side of divorce grief that few people talk about. She explores why this kind of loss can feel so different from other forms of grief, the surprising emotions that often catch women off guard, and one concept that helps explain why letting go can feel so difficult.

You'll also hear practical, compassionate strategies to help you navigate the emotional ups and downs without feeling like you're doing it "wrong."

Whether you're newly separated or years into your healing journey, this conversation is a reminder that understanding your grief is often the first step towards finding peace.

If this episode resonates with you, please like, share and subscribe so you do not miss future episodes.

And if you know another woman who is going through divorce, please send this episode to her. It may be exactly the reminder she needs today.

Need More Support?

Chrissy also offers one-on-one coaching and a four-week

How to Survive Divorce programme.

You can learn more at:

https://www.thisismechrissy.com

or contact Chrissy at me@thisismechrissy.com

Timestamped Chapters

02:10 – Why Divorce Grief Feels Different

03:30 – What You Are Really Grieving

05:30 – The Emotional Roller Coaster

07:10 – Understanding Ambiguous Grief

09:20 – Why Other People May Not Understand

11:56 – How Grief Can Show Up

15:55 – Strategy One: Name What You Are Experiencing

17:45 – Strategy Two: Stop Expecting Consistency

19:30 – Strategy Three: Create Small Daily Anchors

22:20 – Strategy Four: Interrupt the Meaning-Making Spiral

24:00 – Strategy Five: Allow Mixed Emotions

26:30 – Be Intentional About Your Inputs

28:15 – Stay Connected

29:45 – One Small Step at a Time

31:16 – Important Disclaimer

Divorce can feel like your whole life has been turned upside down. One moment you are trying to hold everything together for your children, and the next you are quietly falling apart behind closed doors.

This podcast is for the mums who are exhausted from making decisions, managing emotions, dealing with conflict, carrying new responsibilities, and wondering whether anyone truly understands how hard this season of life can be.

Hosted by Chrissy, this podcast offers honest conversations about what divorce is really like — the grief, fear, anger, overwhelm, uncertainty, and the daily strength it takes to keep going, even when your heart is breaking. The trailer introduces the heart of the show: support, understanding, practical advice, expert insights, real stories, and gentle reminders that you do not have to walk through this alone. 

This is not a podcast about pretending everything is fine. It is not about rushing your healing or having all the answers. It is about helping you get through the days that feel unbearable, finding support in the chaos, and taking the next step — one day, one decision, one breath at a time.

Whether you are newly separated, deep in the divorce process, co-parenting through conflict, rebuilding your confidence, or simply trying to work out who you are now, this podcast is here to help you feel understood, supported, and a little less alone.

Contact Chrissy:

Email: me@thisismechrissy.com

Website: www.thisismechrissy.com