Ep 08. Body Grief: Chronic Illness, Disability & Respecting Your Earth Suit

UPDATED EPISODE! In this episode of The Body Grievers® Club, re-recorded in 2026, Bri and Anna Sweeney reflect on what they've learned about themselves, body grief, body liberation, and chronic illness since this episode was originally recorded back during the pandemic era. They will share new wisdoms and correct themselves on some things they said the first time around. 

Anna shares living with multiple sclerosis and profound immune suppression, while Bri discusses chronic illness impacts including post-bariatric surgery complications, Hashimoto’s, PCOS, ADHD, and a lasting foot tendon injury. They explore why asking people to be grateful for what their bodies can do can be harmful and ableist, emphasizing that gratitude may be a byproduct of starting with grief. The conversation addresses feelings of body betrayal, radical body acceptance as receiving the body as it is, internalized ableism, medical anti-fat bias, wellness industry misinformation, and the importance of interdependence, meeting basic needs, and rebuilding trust in the body.

Timestamps:

• 08:27 Multiple Sclerosis Explained
• 11:47 Ableism of Gratitude
• 18:04 Radical Body Acceptance
• 19:38 Disability Justice Lens
• 21:07 High Heels and Shoulds
• 29:05 Body Grief Reframed
• 33:14 Fighting Anti Fat Medicine
• 38:51 Genetics And Diagnosis Grief
• 41:59 Wellness Industry Exposed
• 53:09 Basic Needs Check In

WANT MORE OF ANNA?

Connect with Anna on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dietitiananna 

Find more links for ways to work with Anna on her Linktree 

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri


*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri’s Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance