In 2020, as the world grappled with lockdowns and isolation, Karista Marcinek faced an unexpected and deeply personal crisis. Living in Australia, Karista experienced a miscarriage at home, alone, during strict COVID-19 restrictions. This traumatic event set her on a path of healing, self-discovery, and ultimately, a mission to help others navigate similar challenges.
The Unexpected Loss
Karista was about 18 weeks pregnant when she miscarried, unaware of her pregnancy until that moment. The shock of the loss was compounded by the isolation of lockdown. Unable to have anyone physically present, she relied on a phone call with a friend and eventually called her aunt, who summoned an ambulance.
The experience was surreal -Karista found herself texting her work team from the ambulance, assuring them she’d be back soon. This moment highlights the often unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves during times of crisis.
Returning to Work: An Unexpected Challenge
After taking some time off to process her loss, Karista attempted to return to work. However, her first day back brought another shock. She was informed of a restructure that moved her to a different team, effective immediately. The lack of empathy and support from her workplace during this vulnerable time was deeply disappointing.
This experience became a turning point for Karista, inspiring her to advocate for better workplace support for those dealing with personal crises.
Finding a New Path
Karista’s journey through grief and workplace challenges led her to explore various healing modalities, from sound baths to therapy. She realized the power of lived experience in truly understanding and supporting others through similar situations.
Today, Karista combines her corporate background with holistic approaches to help others navigate workplace challenges and personal healing. She emphasizes the importance of:
- Listening to your body and taking the time you need to heal
- Connecting with nature as part of the healing process
- Being discerning about who you share your story with at work
- Finding trusted support both inside and outside the workplace
Advocating for Change
Karista’s experience highlighted the need for better policies around bereavement leave for pregnancy loss. She notes that in Australia, policies have recently changed to provide specific leave for loss, though there’s still room for improvement.
She encourages companies to be proactive in creating supportive workplace cultures, including implementing policies that acknowledge the need for time off during personal crises.
Advice for Those Returning to Work After Loss
- Trust your own journey and don’t let others dictate how you should feel or heal
- Be cautious about who you confide in at work
- Remember that HR primarily serves the company’s interests, not necessarily yours
- Build a strong support system outside of work
- Allow yourself to grieve in your own way and time
Cara emphasizes that grief profoundly changes a person, and it’s okay if you’re not the same as you were before. She encourages both individuals and companies to prioritize mental health and create psychologically safe work environments.
For those interested in learning more about Karista’s work, you can find her on LinkedIn, visit her website at intuitivelycreate.com, or listen to her podcast “Not Compliant Enough.“
By sharing her story and advocating for change, Karista hopes to create more supportive and compassionate workplaces for everyone navigating personal challenges.
Jennifer Senn is a certified life coach who is also a bereaved mom of twin girls born at 32 weeks. She helps stillbirth moms let go of guilt, process their grief and figure out what’s next for their future. You can learn more about her and schedule a free support session at jennifersenn.com.
