Grief & Shame #2 with Dr. Monica Krishnan
Grief is caused by many things, and is experienced in even more varying ways. Death, divorce, physical separation, even emotional distance, can cause intense feelings of loss, confusion, and despair. It might even seem no one could possibly understand what we are going through. We may isolate and even beat ourselves up for feeling so alone and depressed, denying ourselves the love, support, understanding, and grace we deserve.
In this episode, Dr. Monica Krishnan, Pharm D, joins Nadia for a meaningful discussion about this relationship between grief and shame, what we can do to support ourselves and others, increase awareness, and most of all, prevent shame from harming the healing journey.
Dr. Monica Krishnan, PharmD, is a Clinical Pharmacist with over 25 years experience, a Mental Health and Grief Advocate, a Medical Writer for @goodrx, and an author of “Finding Pockets of Sunshine,” a children' s book about mental health and grief.
Here, on this podcast, we want you to know - you are not alone on the healing journey. Everyone deserves a safe space to share, cry, and be vulnerable. If you can’t find that place outside you right now, there is a space within you that can heal all - Home is Within You.
Episode Summary
[00:00–02:30] Opening & Theme
Nadia introduces the theme of shame and healing. She welcomes Dr. Monica, describing her as a radiant “pocket of sunshine” in human form.
[02:30–09:00] Life’s Unexpected Storms
Nadia shares a story of injuring her hand and parallels it with how painful thoughts can “get stuck.” Together, they reflect on how moments of struggle can reveal hidden love and compassion.
[09:00–13:30] Dr. Monica’s Story of Loss
Dr. Monica recounts losing her husband in 2011, becoming a solo parent to two young girls, and silently battling high-functioning depression for years. She describes how shame around her mental health kept her from seeking help.
[13:30–20:00] Breaking Through Shame
She explains how shame manifested physically as a pit in her stomach and a sense of disconnection. Seeking therapy and eventually beginning antidepressants was a turning point. She recalls telling an interviewer that she felt “pockets of sunshine” when she began healing—words that later inspired her book.
[20:00–27:00] Tools for Healing
Dr. Monica highlights therapy, meditation, community, and nature as essential tools. She stresses that medication, when needed, is no different from treatment for other conditions. Nadia and Dr. Monica explore how vulnerability and safety create space for healing.
[27:00–33:30] Writing Finding Pockets of Sunshine
During a silent retreat, the story of her children’s book “downloaded” into her. She envisioned it as multicultural and multigenerational, offering hope and resilience for anyone facing loss.
[33:30–41:00] Parenting, Grief, and Mental Health at Home
Dr. Monica discusses raising her daughters with openness around grief, offering them therapy, and normalizing “mental health days.” She emphasizes creating a safe environment where emotions can be expressed freely.
[41:00–47:00] Embracing Vulnerability & Self-Compassion
She shares her practice of high-fiving herself in the mirror as a way to celebrate resilience, even on hard days. Vulnerability, she says, is a superpower that opens doors to connection.
[47:00–53:00] Looking Ahead
Dr. Monica talks about expanding her public speaking, advocating for mental health, and envisioning the next chapter of her life as she prepares for an empty nest.
[53:00–56:00] Closing Reflections
She reminds listeners: “You are worthy, you are enough. Don’t let shame take over your soul. Celebrate yourself and always find pockets of sunshine.”
Dr. Monica Krishnan, PharmD: Instagram