Episode Summary
In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with suicide loss survivor and mental health advocate Alli Skrbek, we continue exploring what it means to live, parent, grieve, and heal after the loss of a child.
Just over a year ago, Alli's oldest son, Alex, died by suicide. In the aftermath of that unimaginable loss, Alli has become a passionate advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness, using her growing social media platform to break the silence around suicide, challenge stigma, and help others feel less alone.
In this deeply raw and honest conversation, Alli shares how grief has transformed her life, how she navigates the ongoing challenges of raising her three younger sons while carrying the weight of profound loss, and why open, authentic conversations about mental health can save lives.
Together, we discuss the impact of social media in creating connection and awareness, the unique challenges facing boys and men when it comes to mental health, and the subtle warning signs that families and loved ones should never ignore. Alli also speaks candidly about guilt, shame, judgment, and the misconceptions that often surround suicide loss—and why compassion, understanding, and education are so critical.
Most importantly, Alli reminds us that grief and love can coexist. That honoring someone's life doesn't mean moving on from them. And that even in the darkest moments, there can be purpose, connection, and hope.
So whether you're grieving a loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to better understand the realities of suicide and mental health, this conversation offers an important reminder: you're not alone and help is always out there.
Episode Sponsored by The HelpHUB™
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Takeaways
• How grief can transform us and reshape our purpose
• The role of social media in mental health advocacy
• Men's mental health and the pressures boys often face
• Recognizing warning signs of suicidal ideation
• Why honest conversations about mental health matter
• Parenting through profound grief
• Navigating guilt, shame, and societal misconceptions after suicide loss
• Keeping memories alive while moving forward
• Finding strength through family, community, and advocacy
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background on Loss
03:05 - Transformation Through Grief
05:42 - The Power of Social Media Advocacy
08:37 - Navigating Negative Feedback
11:44 - Men's Mental Health Awareness
14:38 - Recognizing Warning Signs in Boys
17:34 - The Importance of Open Conversations
20:39 - Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide
22:39 - Navigating Grief and Parenting
25:00 - Keeping Memories Alive
27:53 - Understanding Guilt and Shame
33:27 - The Power of Advocacy
38:07 - Finding Strength in Family
40:27 - Misunderstandings of Grief
Mental Health Resources
• If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for help.
• The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7223)
• Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (Familius Books) (https://a.co/d/00Zthp5f)
• The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/
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See you next week! In the meantime, keep surviving.