Careshmeh Dean: Understanding Complicated Grief and Finding Hope Again

<p>In this episode of <em>Mental Health Momentum</em>, Silicon Slopes Director of Mental Health Awareness and licensed psychologist <strong>Dr. David Morgan</strong> welcomes <strong>Careshmeh Dean</strong>, award-winning author, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of <em>The Dean&#39;s List</em> podcast, for an emotional conversation about grief, resilience, faith, and finding hope after unimaginable loss.</p><p>Careshmeh is the author of <em>Made for Me</em>, a memoir chronicling her journey through love, heartbreak, healing, and the unexpected second chance that changed her life.</p><p>After finding the love of her life following a divorce, Careshmeh believed her future was finally falling into place. Then her husband was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite treatment and a stem cell transplant, his cancer returned, and he ultimately passed away.</p><p>What followed was more than heartbreak.</p><p>Careshmeh describes falling into profound, prolonged grief that left her struggling to function, find effective mental health support, or imagine a future worth looking forward to. Even ordinary expectations, like returning to work, felt impossible.</p><p>Together, Careshmeh and Dr. Morgan explore:</p><ul><li><p>Why grief doesn&#39;t follow a predictable timeline.</p></li><li><p>What complicated grief can feel like and why finding the right support matters.</p></li><li><p>How well-meaning expectations can make grieving people feel even more isolated.</p></li><li><p>The emotional challenges of losing a spouse and rebuilding a life.</p></li><li><p>How faith, connection, and storytelling helped Careshmeh navigate devastating loss.</p></li><li><p>Why healing doesn&#39;t mean forgetting someone you love.</p></li><li><p>How accepting a new reality can open the door to unexpected happiness.</p></li><li><p>Why moving forward is different from trying to recreate the past.</p></li></ul><p>One of the conversation&#39;s most powerful lessons is that <strong>we cannot go backward, no matter how desperately we want to.</strong></p><p>Careshmeh explains how learning to accept her new life helped her rediscover her capacity for love, connection, and purpose. So can you.</p>