The Healing Narratives of Suicide Grief - Making Time to Grieve
The Healing Narratives of Suicide GriefShow Notes
It was only when Kathy lost her son and ex-husband to murder-suicide in April 2020 she realised how grief had affected her whole life. Kathy lost both her Dad and Aunt to suicide before she was a teenager and her brother in a motorbike accident aged 22. Kathy developed chronic physical illnesses as a child and sought her own ways of healing something she thought was wrong with herself. After her son died and took his father with him, Kathy spiralled into grief and realised she didn’t need fixing but needed to grieve. She is doing so, consciously and mindfully, making time to grieve whilst doing everything she can to help her daughter grieve too. In this powerful episode Kathy and I discuss:
The physical effects of grief. Breathwork, meditation, nature and yoga. Catholicism and suicide. Combatting guilt. Loneliness. How to communicate with children around grief. How Kathy continues her bond with her son – not his final act. How Kathy is managing to balance grief with life.
A very touching story full of wisdom, vulnerability and strength.
Please listen with care and know there are people out there that can help and support you. Within the UK: Samaritans - Free on 116 123 Suicide&Co - Free on 0800 054 8400 Mon-Friday 9aam-9pm Within the US: Suicide Hotline: Free on 1-800-273-8255 or text 742741 Find Dr Sue: Instagram Facebook Linked In For more resources: www.suicidegriefsupport.com For EMDR Grief Retreats - www.EMDRGriefRetreat.com
More from The Healing Narratives of Suicide Grief
Loren from Los Angeles discusses writing All Sorrows Can Be Born, a family memoir she ghostwrote about her husband Dana (born Noriyuki) who was sent from Japan to the U.S. as a toddler and later learned the truth about his father’s death 57 years after it happened. The episode explores themes of secrecy, cultural shame, adoption, cross‑continental reunion, and the long ripple effects of suicide on families. Lauren shares how the revelation came through a letter and how the family processed that discovery while honoring resilience and memory. Listeners hear about the book’s creation, the author’s trips to Japan to interview family members, and where to find All Sorrows Can Be Born. Please look after yourself listening to this episode. You can stop and start when you are able to listen. Here are some helpline numbers - please reach out if you need help.
This episode features Suzy from Houston, who was 69 years old when her husband died. Recorded close to the two-year anniversary, Suzy talks about the shock of a sudden loss, and the healing she found through writing music through her band Suzy & the Substitutes. She discusses writing and releasing a song called "Rising Out of the Ashes," coping with daily life alone after a long marriage, and the importance of support from friends, family, and community resources. There is information about an EMDR retreat for those bereaved by suicide (Herefordshire, England, Oct 9–13) . There are helpline numbers and support resources listed below in the episode notes - please reach out if you need help. Retreat October 2026 Instagram Facebook Linked In www.suicidegriefsupport.com EMDR Suicide Grief Retreats
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In this episode Reshma Kearney, a trauma-informed yoga teacher and grief guide, shares her experience after losing her husband to suicide and how she navigated shock, guilt and parenting three children through grief. Reshma discusses practical steps that helped her heal - micro self-care, mindfulness, trauma-informed practices like yoga and Reiki, honest conversations with her children, and the importance of connection and asking for help. If you’re listening before July 2026, we are hosting a free webinar mid‑July 26 about putting yourself first after suicide loss; links and resources are in the show notes below. As always, listen with care and reach out for help if you need it: Free Online Workshop After Suicide Loss | Dr Sue Egan Instagram Facebook Linked In www.suicidegriefsupport.com EMDR Suicide Grief Retreats
In this episode John Trautwein shares his experience after losing his teenage son Will to suicide 10 years ago and how he turned grief into purpose by creating the Will to Live Foundation. John discusses stigma around mental illness, the power of friends as "life teammates," post‑traumatic growth, and practical ways families can support teens. The conversation also covers resources, retreats, and ways to reach out for help.. It’s a hopeful, honest episode about healing, connection, and holding space for one another. As always, listen with care and reach out for help if you need it: Instagram Facebook Linked In www.suicidegriefsupport.com EMDR Suicide Grief Retreats