Dr. Mary Ryan is a renowned psychologist who has helped countless individuals through their own struggles with grief and loss. However, when her husband unexpectedly passed away, she was left to face the realities of grief firsthand. In this article, Dr. Ryan courageously shares her own experience with grieving and offers valuable insight into overcoming the pain of loss. Through her vulnerability and honesty, she reminds us that grief is a universal and necessary process that requires time, support, and self-compassion.
Dr Mary Ryan, a consultant physician and endocrinologist from Limerick, lost her husband, Eamon Prendiville, in 2013. She reflects on how she got through those initial days, attributing her strength to her three children and her patients. In an interview with RSVP Magazine, Ryan also discusses her new book, “It’s Probably Your Hormones”, and opens up about the realities of grief.
When Eamon died suddenly, their twin boys were eight, and their daughter, Úna, was five. Ryan admits that looking back, she wonders how she managed to get through the challenging time. Her children kept her going, along with her parents, siblings, and patients. Shock helped her to manage on autopilot, as she had no time to process the loss.
The family had just moved into a new, listed building, making the loss of Eamon more difficult to bear. Ryan, working full-time as a physician, tried to be both parents to her children while looking after her patients. Ryan believes in a holistic approach and a positive outlook, which helped her to manage.
Telling the children about their father’s death was heart-wrenching for her. After seeking counselling, Ryan received valuable advice: children look forward, while adults look back. Knowing that her children were okay made it easier for Ryan to cope.
Today, Ryan’s children are doing well in life. Seán is studying business in college and is into sports, Michael is gentle and creative and looks like both his parents, and Úna is confident, beautiful, and has her heart set on studying Medicine. Ryan admits that although she loves her career, her children are the best part of her life.
Ryan’s career in medicine allows her to advocate for women’s health. However, her husband’s passing added a new layer of hardship and gave her the opportunity to practise what she preached. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was a farmer, so Ryan learned about healthy eating and lifestyle, and getting enough rest. Many women today believe that they must keep going without any downtime, which only leads to exhaustion. Ryan advises that mothers must not stress themselves by taking their children out every weekend because children only want to be close to their parents’ presence.
Dr Ryan’s interview provides valuable insight for anyone who has suffered a traumatic loss. She believes in a holistic approach and knowing that both her children and patients needed her kept her going. Finally, she shares the profound advice that children look forward, while adults look back, which softened the blow of having to tell her children about their father’s death. Ryan’s new book, “It’s Probably Your Hormones,” provides a comprehensive guide to hormone-related health issues that women face today.
In conclusion, Dr Mary Ryan has shared with us her deeply personal journey of grief, loss and healing after the death of her husband. Her candid portrayal of the reality of grief is a poignant reminder that it is a universal experience, and one that we all must face at some point in our lives. Dr Ryan’s willingness to share her story and insights offers hope to those who may be going through a similar experience. As we navigate the difficult emotions that come with loss, we can take comfort in knowing that there are resources and support systems available to us. Let us honor Dr Ryan and all those who have endured the pain of grief by acknowledging their struggles and offering them our kindness, patience and understanding.
