In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and Gretchen talk candidly about how milestone days like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays impact those living with grief, especially suicide loss survivors. Through laughter, tears, and lived experience, they offer real-life tools, comfort, and hope for navigating the pain of remembrance while keeping the love alive.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
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📝 Episode Summary:
Lisa opens up about losing her father to suicide 47 years ago and how milestone days—like birthdays, Father’s Day, and August 1st (his death anniversary)—still hit hard. Gretchen shares her own grief experiences, including how she transformed Valentine’s Day, the anniversary of her mother’s funeral, into a new chapter through podcasting. Together, they hold space for listeners navigating their own grief, emphasizing that there is no “right” way to mourn. Whether you're years into your grief or fresh in the pain, this episode is for you.
💡 Lessons Learned:
- Grief doesn’t have an expiration date—it evolves.
- You’re allowed to feel joy, sadness, anger, or all three at once.
- Rituals can offer comfort and connection to loved ones lost.
- Talking to someone—friends, family, a therapist, or a warmline—can ease the weight.
- Grieving isn't weakness; it’s love in motion.
📖 Chapters:
00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction
01:00 – Lisa’s Birthday & Father’s Day Reflections
02:30 – Gretchen's Story: Valentine’s Day & Her Mother’s Passing
04:00 – Building Relationships with Lost Loved Ones
06:00 – The Power of Rituals and Letters
08:00 – Suicide Attempt Reflections & Christmas Grief
09:00 – Navigating Special Occasions Alone
11:00 – There's No Wrong Way to Grieve
14:00 – Journaling & Safe Spaces
16:00 – Lisa on Loneliness & Community Support
18:30 – The Importance of Warm Lines
20:00 – Therapy as Ongoing Support
22:00 – Grief as a Sign of Love
23:00 – Book Recommendation: Grief Is Love by Marisa Renee Lee
26:00 – A Friend’s Tribute: Honoring the Memory of Lisa’s Dad
29:00 – Remembering with Love & Living the Legacy
30:00 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement:
📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support
🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website: https://thesurvivors.net/
🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks: https://www.thehelphub.co/
🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support: https://schosersolutions.com/
🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/
National Warm Lines
SAMHSA National Helpline (Referral Line)
📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
🕐 24/7, English & Spanish
📌 Offers mental health/substance use referrals, not peer-to-peer but widely used.NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
📞 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
🕐 Mon–Fri, 10am–10pm ET
🌐 Also offers text/chat
🔹 Peer-informed support and information.The Peer Support Line (formerly known as WARMLINE.org)
📞 1-800-945-1355 (via Mental Health America affiliates in some states)
🕐 Varies by location
🔹 Peer-run support for emotional distress, anxiety, and loneliness.National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
📞 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
🕐 24/7, English & Spanish
🔹 Support for pregnant and postpartum individuals.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Peer Support (Select Locations)
📞 Call 988 and ask for peer support, if available in your area
🔹 Some regions offer peer lines as part of their 988 services.
📲 Follow & Connect With Us
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See You Next Week! In the meantime, stay strong, keep surviving, and remember: You are enough.