The Survivors Podcast

LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Real Talk for Pride Month To Saves Lives

In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their personal coming out stories, the mental health struggles within the LGBTQ+ community, and how support, resources, and kindness can truly save lives. From Free Mom Hugs to the Trevor Project, this episode is packed with essential info, tough truths, and beautiful reminders that you are never alone.
 
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
 
🎙️ This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness SolutionsStruggling with employee burnout, high turnover, or clunky onboarding processes? Feeling overwhelmed by change or unsure how to support your team’s mental health in the workplace? You’re not alone.Visit https://schosersolutions.com today.💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙
📝 Episode Summary:
Lisa and Gretchen share powerful, vulnerable stories about their own journeys in coming out and the intersections between LGBTQ+ identity and mental health. They spotlight the terrifying realities of suicide statistics among queer youth and offer actionable resources and messages of empathy for both individuals and families. This raw, affirming conversation not only honors Pride Month but also amplifies the need for compassion, inclusion, and community support—especially in difficult times. They stress that support is always just a call or click away.
 
🎯 Lessons Learned:
Coming out is deeply personal and cannot be rushed. Support must be unconditional and judgment-free.
Resources like 988 and The Trevor Project can be life-saving, especially for LGBTQ+ youth struggling with identity and mental illness.
Community matters. Whether you're a parent, friend, or ally, empathy and kindness go a long way in saving lives.
Visibility saves lives. Wearing a pride shirt, offering a hug, or simply listening can make an enormous difference.
Support isn't just for young people—older LGBTQ+ individuals also face challenges and need inclusive care.
 
⏰ Chapters:
00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction
01:00 – What Pride Really Means
02:30 – Lisa’s Late-In-Life Coming Out Story
04:10 – The Trevor Project and Suicide Prevention
06:00 – The Reality of Backsliding LGBTQ+ Rights
08:00 – Mental Health Stats That Demand Attention
10:00 – Resources for Parents and Allies
13:00 – Creating a Personal Mental Health Safety Plan
15:00 – How Schoser Solutions Helps with Workplace Wellness
18:00 – Why You Should Never Pressure Someone to Come Out
21:00 – The Power of Community and Free Mom Hugs
25:00 – Final Thoughts: Coexistence of Joy & Sadness in Pride
27:00 – You Are Enough – Closing Message
 
📚 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/
 
📲 Follow & Connect With Us:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
 
🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜
#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #Pride2025 #TrevorProject #LGBTQMentalHealth #ComingOutStories #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #FreeMomHugs #LGBTQSupport #TransRightsAreHumanRights #QueerVoices #IntersectionalityMatters #Allyship #MentalHealthAwareness #LGBTQPodcast #PrideAndProgress #SafeToBeMe

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: The Truth About Self-Care & Mental Health

In this heartfelt Mental Health Awareness Month finale, Lisa and Gretchen discuss the powerful but often overlooked necessity of self-care, boundary-setting, and finding joy. From hilarious pet videos to meditation and morning laughter, they explore the diverse paths to healing and wholeness.Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannelEpisode Sponsored by TheHelpHUbB.coThis episode is proudly brought to you by [TheHelpHUB.co].Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just… alone? Well, you're not.Welcome to The HelpHUB—your online destination for personalized mental health resources, content, and tools. Whether you’re seeking crisis support, uplifting content, or long-term strategies, visit https://www.thehelphub.co today.💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙---Episode SummaryLisa and Gretchen reveal what self-care really means—far beyond bubble baths and buzzwords. They share raw, relatable stories about burnout, emotional boundaries, journaling, the power of saying “no,” and how seemingly small rituals can anchor us in peace and strength. Together, they create a roadmap for intentional living that starts with honoring your needs.---Lessons LearnedBoundaries are life-saving: Creating and maintaining boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential.Daily self-care must be non-negotiable: Whether it’s laughter, meditation, or stepping outside, daily rituals help us reset and recharge.Permission to pause: You can step away, say no, and take a “me” day—no guilt attached.Joy matters: Seek it, schedule it, and protect it.---Chapters00:00 – Trigger warning & introduction01:00 – Why self-care matters now more than ever04:30 – The power of saying no08:00 – Finding daily joy through small habits12:00 – Journaling and grounding practices16:00 – Detoxing from doomscrolling and digital overwhelm20:00 – Morning routines that actually work23:00 – Closing out Mental Health Awareness Month with hope25:00 – Final thoughts and 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: https://schosersolutions.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net/---Follow & Connect With Us📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel---#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope#Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser---See You Next Week!Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

Why Therapy Matters: Finding the Right Support for Mental Health, Healing & Growth

In this heart-opening episode, Lisa and Gretchen dive deep into the transformative power of therapy. From speed-dating therapists to redefining grief, they share personal stories about discovering the kinds of support that helped them reclaim their mental well-being. 📺 🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.coStruggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just… alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to TheHelpHUB.co—your online destination for mental health resources, content, and tools to help you navigate whatever you're facing right now. With individualized support across 16+ categories, The HelpHUB meets you where you are—whether it’s articles, videos, interactive tools, or connection to professional help. 💙Because your mental well-being matters. 💙 🔎 Episode SummaryLisa and Gretchen reflect on their personal journeys with therapy—how it started, how it evolved, and the lessons they've learned along the way. This candid conversation touches on childhood trauma, therapy mismatches, grief, different healing modalities (from talk to art and nature therapy), and the realization that therapy isn’t just help—it’s a gift. 💡 Lessons LearnedTherapy can be the greatest act of self-care—even if it takes a few tries to find the right fit.Different types of therapy (EFT, art, nature, talk) serve different needs—explore and customize your healing.Trauma often hides in plain sight; therapy can unlock realizations that reframe your entire experience.Mental health support isn’t one-size-fits-all, and there’s no shame in seeking help through non-traditional routes.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The Real Talk Warning01:00 – Mental Health Awareness Month Reflections03:20 – Rediscovering Therapy After 30 Years06:00 – Speed Dating Therapists & Finding the Right Fit08:40 – Talk, Art, Nature & Energy Therapies13:00 – When Friends & Family Aren’t Enough17:00 – Realizing You’re a Trauma Survivor20:30 – Childhood Grief & Unseen Pain24:00 – Therapy Tools, Boundaries & Healing Modalities26:00 – Final Reflections & 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/ 📲 Follow & Connect With Us📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser 🎙️ See You Next Week!Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

What Happens When You Call 988: Real Talk from Both Sides of the Line

In this deeply moving episode, Lisa and G open up about the lifesaving power of the 988 crisis lifeline. From personal stories to professional insights, they explore how these services are changing—and saving—lives every day.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.coThis episode is proudly brought to you by TheHelpHUB.co.Struggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just… alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to The HelpHUB—your online destination for mental health resources, content, and tools to help you navigate whatever challenges you’re facing. With over 16 categories of support and a deeply inclusive approach, you’ll find the personalized help you need when you need it most. Visit https://www.thehelphub.co/ today. 💙📄 Episode SummaryMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode is a heartfelt homage to the value of crisis support. Hosts Lisa and G share emotional firsthand experiences, provide behind-the-scenes insight into what really happens when you call 988, and amplify the importance of accessible support through platforms like The HelpHUB, Trevor Project, and the Crisis Text Line. With raw vulnerability, they debunk misconceptions, highlight the impact of human connection, and call us all to action—because everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and safe.📘 Lessons Learned988 is more than a number—it's a gateway to connection, compassion, and lifesaving support.You don't need to be suicidal to call; any form of emotional distress is valid.Creating a personal safety plan can provide essential clarity in moments of crisis.Sharing our stories not only heals us, but can save someone else's life.Awareness is key—amplifying resources ensures they’re accessible to those who need them most.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Episode Introduction & Trigger Warning01:30 – The Power of Mental Health Awareness Month03:00 – Discovering 988 and Why It Matters06:45 – What Happens When You Call a Lifeline10:00 – The Role of Lifeline Volunteers13:30 – From Crisis to Clarity: Personal Testimonies17:10 – International Support Resources20:15 – Safety Plans & Why You Need One24:00 – The Role of Community in Mental Health26:30 – Final Reflections & 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/📲 Follow & Connect With Us📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser🎙️ See You Next Week!Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month — Let’s Talk About What Actually Helps

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Lisa and Gretchen open up about their respective mental health advocacy platforms—The HelpHUB, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads podcast, and Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions. They highlight the urgent need for inclusive, accessible mental health resources that speak to people across different communities, life stages, and identities. If you’ve ever Googled “mental health help” and felt overwhelmed, this episode offers hope and clarity.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUB.coStruggling with your mental health? Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just… alone? Well, you're not. Welcome to TheHelpHUB.co—your online destination for mental health resources, content, and tools to help you navigate your mental health challenges. At The HelpHUB, you’ll find individualized tools tailored to your unique needs. Over 16 curated categories cover crisis support, grief, mindfulness, LGBTQ+ support, workplace mental health, and more. Whether you need downloadable toolkits, peer stories, or just a starting point to feel seen, this is where healing begins. Visit https://www.thehelphub.co/ today.💙Because your mental well-being matters. 💙💡 Lessons LearnedPersonalized mental health support matters. Not everyone experiences trauma or heals similarly; resources should reflect that diversity.You don’t have to be a professional to help someone heal. Lived experience, open dialogue, and community can be just as transformative.Laughter is healing. Sometimes the best therapy is an honest conversation with a friend—and a moment to laugh through the pain.No one is alone. From TheHelpHUB to weekly podcast episodes, there are always free tools, stories, and safe spaces to turn to.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Content Warning00:25 – Why May Matters: Mental Health Awareness Month01:06 – Advocating 140%: Our Year-Round Commitment03:30 – Normalizing Conversations Through Resources05:00 – Lisa’s Journey to Building TheHelpHUB10:55 – Personalized Support by Category14:00 – Gretchen’s Experience Using TheHelpHUB15:10 – The Power of Sharing: Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads18:00 – Building Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions20:00 – From Suicide to Survival: Why We Do This Work23:30 – Listener Homework & Final Thoughts25:00 – Community, Courage, and Showing Up📚 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/📲 Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone#BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether#PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief#Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

6 Harmful Myths About Suicide—And the Truth Survivors Need You to Know

In this deeply raw and heartfelt episode, hosts Gretchen and Lisa delve into the heavy topic of suicide, unpacking personal stories, public perceptions, and the damaging power of stigma. They offer unflinching honesty, resilience, and hope, reminding us all that healing begins when we start speaking out. 🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by CalmerryThis episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month.💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙🔍 Episode SummaryGretchen and Lisa crack open the emotional complexities surrounding suicide, from attempted survival to loss, and share their journeys with unfiltered vulnerability. They explore how language shapes stigma and how powerful conversations can unravel decades of misunderstanding, shame, and silence.🎓 Lessons LearnedWords Matter: The way we discuss suicide ("committed" vs "died by") can either reinforce stigma or dismantle it.You’re Not Alone: Those who survived attempts and those grieving a suicide loss are not only survivors—they are parents, professionals, friends, and leaders.Be kind, always: You never know what battle someone may be fighting internally.Trust Falls Are Real: Opening up about mental health can feel like a trust fall, but there is a community ready to catch you.Mental Illness Is Not a Moral Failure: Suicide is often a result of mental illness, not a sign of weakness, sin, or selfishness.⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Trigger Warning & Crisis Resources1:20 – What Bugs Us: Stigma Around Suicide5:40 – From Silence to Sharing: Personal Stories of Attempt Survival12:30 – Language and Labels: Changing the Narrative17:00 – Workplace Stigma and Healing in Public Spaces20:10 – Generational Beliefs and Breaking the Cycle24:00 – Final Reflections: Humanity, Hope, and Community📚 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/🔹 Calmerry – Affordable & accessible online therapy – https://calmerry.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/📲 Follow & Connect With Us📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention#YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline#SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth#SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope#Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support#LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser🎙️ See You Next Week!Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

The 3 P’s That Could Save a Life: Dr. Janine Ellenberger on Suicide Prevention

In this powerful episode, Dr. Janine Ellenberger joins Lisa and Gretchen to talk about the missing links in suicide prevention—namely, aftercare, family support, and community. Together, they unpack real stories, systemic gaps, and the “3 P’s” that could make all the difference: People, Place, and Purpose.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: 🎬 A video version of this episode is available here:YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by Calmerry This episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month.💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙📝 Episode Summary Dr. Janine Ellenberger returns to The Survivors to share insights from her career in digital mental health, personal observations from the field, and reflections on what’s missing in America’s response to mental illness and suicide. The conversation tackles the painful gaps in aftercare, the burden on families, and how communities can fill the void for those who feel most alone. Dr. Ellenberger champions an empathetic approach, grounded in accessibility, connection, and purpose-driven recovery.🌟 Lessons LearnedSuicide recovery is possible. Like any chronic illness, mental illness requires sustained care, not just emergency treatment.The “3 P’s” matter: People, Place, and Purpose are foundational for anyone reentering life after crisis.Support must extend beyond the ER. Real change starts when communities show up and family systems are empowered with education and tools.Accessible therapy saves lives. Platforms like Calmerry are breaking cost and location barriers.We all have a role. Whether it's a listening ear or soup on the doorstep, support doesn’t have to be clinical to be lifesaving.🕰️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Trigger Warning01:00 – Welcome Back Dr. Janine Ellenberger03:00 – America’s Mental Health Gaps06:00 – Suicide Recovery Needs More Than Medicine10:00 – Teletherapy, Insurance & Accessibility14:00 – Family Burnout and Support18:00 – The Power of Community21:00 – Lisa’s Personal Story of Loss24:00 – What To Do After Crisis28:00 – Supporting the Homeless with Mental Illness29:30 – Call to Action for Compassion & Systemic Change30:00 – Wrap-Up & Resources📚 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/🔹 Calmerry – Affordable & accessible online therapy – https://calmerry.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/📲 Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜 

How to Spot the Signs: Suicide Awareness & Support with Dr. Janine Ellenberger

Lisa and Gretchen sit down with Dr. Janine Ellenberger—physician, mental health tech innovator, and autism mom—for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about suicide prevention, parenting through mental illness, and the life-changing impact of accessible therapy. Together, they unpack the hard stuff—grief, trauma, and hope—and explore how digital tools like Calmerry are reshaping mental wellness support.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here:YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎙️ Episode Sponsored by CalmerryThis episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/ 🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙🎧 Episode Summary In this raw and resonant episode, Dr. Janine Ellenberger opens up about her personal experiences as a parent of a child with autism and her professional mission to make mental health support more accessible. Lisa, also a suicide loss survivor, and Gretchen, a suicide attempt survivor, guide the conversation toward actionable insights on recognizing the signs of crisis, advocating for mental health in the workplace, and how technology like Calmerry helps meet people where they are—emotionally and digitally.💡 Lessons LearnedAsking deeper, open-ended questions can be the first step toward saving someone in crisis.Access to therapy—especially in real time—is critical and possible through platforms like Calmerry.Matching with the right therapist can take time, but the right fit is transformative.Mental health care is never one-size-fits-all—there are multiple modalities and pathways to healing.⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction02:30 – Meet Dr. Janine Ellenberger05:10 – Parenting a Child with Autism & Suicide Risk12:00 – Why Access to Timely Therapy Matters18:45 – Calmerry’s Mission & Digital Mental Health Tools24:00 – Therapy Options: Tapping, Journaling & Matching30:00 – Breaking Generational Stigma Around Mental Health35:50 – Supporting Colleagues & Friends in Crisis40:15 – Workplace Mental Health & EAPs Explained46:00 – Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Teaser📚 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/🔹 Calmerry – Affordable & accessible online therapy – https://calmerry.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/📲 Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #JanineEllenberger🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

Healing Happens Together: The Power of Building a Community for Suicide Survivors

In this heartfelt episode, hosts Lisa and Gretchen unpack the importance of building community after surviving suicide loss or attempt. They share their personal stories and how finding — and creating — safe spaces for connection helped save their lives and transform their grief into healing.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:A video version of this episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ Episode Sponsored by CalmerryThis episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month.💙Because your mental well-being matters. 💙📝 Episode Summary In a profoundly raw and moving conversation, Lisa and Gretchen dive into the stigma of suicide and the life-changing strength of finding — or building — community. They discuss their healing journeys, from the silence and shame of mental health struggles to the breakthroughs that come with vulnerability and shared space. Whether it's a support group, a therapy session, or a circle of close friends, this episode reminds us that we don’t have to walk through the most challenging moments alone. 💡 Lessons LearnedCommunity is a lifeline: Having a group — even a small one — makes navigating grief and mental health more bearable.Vulnerability is powerful: Telling your story can unlock someone else’s pain and start their healing.There’s no “right” way to engage: Whether you speak up or listen, being part of a community matters.Help is always within reach: Therapy, crisis lines, and online support can meet you where you are — even from home.⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Trigger Warning1:00 – Why Community Matters5:30 – Gretchen’s Story of Survival9:40 – Therapy, Friends, & Finding Support14:00 – Creating Safe Spaces to Share18:00 – Lisa’s Journey: Loss, Silence & the Breakthrough23:00 – Survivor Stories & the Ripple of Openness28:00 – Virtual Groups & the Power of Showing Up35:00 – Actionable Ways to Build or Find Community40:00 – Final Reflections & 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/🔹 Calmerry – Affordable & accessible online therapy – https://calmerry.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/📲 Follow & Connect With Us 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser

Why These Conversations Matter: Breaking the Silence on Suicide

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser break the silence around suicide, grief, and mental health with unflinching honesty and compassion. Through powerful personal stories and meaningful insights, they remind us that speaking up can save lives—and that no one should have to struggle alone.🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube Catch the full video version of this episode here:🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannelIn this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser open up about why conversations around suicide, grief, and mental health are not just meaningful—they're essential. With raw honesty and compassionate storytelling, the hosts reflect on their journeys, the stigma around mental illness, and how simply saying “I’m not okay” can be the first step toward healing. From discussing the unseen pain people carry to the power of holding space for someone struggling, this episode is a beacon of light for anyone who feels alone in their mental health journey. This is it if you’ve ever needed a reason to speak up. 🎙️ Episode Sponsored by CalmerryThis episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling.🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month.💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙 🧠 Episode SummaryWhy do these conversations matter? Because lives depend on them. Lisa and Gretchen share survivor stories, personal revelations, and practical advice for those navigating grief, loss, depression, or the aftermath of a suicide attempt. They also highlight how gratitude, community, and connection can create powerful ripples of healing. 📝 Lessons Learned💬 Talking saves lives—just one conversation can make a life-changing difference.🧩 You’re not alone—we all carry grief, pain, or sadness differently.🤝 Holding space matters—being present for someone can reduce suicide risk by over 40%.🧘 Healing is not linear—progress looks different for everyone, and that’s okay.🌱 Gratitude is a superpower—small moments of appreciation can shift your mindset.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Trigger Warning & Intro02:00 – Why Conversations About Suicide Matter06:30 – Survivor Stories & Shame Around Mental Illness11:20 – The Power of Speaking Up15:45 – Grief, Humor & Healing19:00 – Personal Story: Losing a Parent to Suicide22:30 – Holding Space for Others26:00 – Tools for Mental Wellness29:45 – The Importance of Community33:00 – Why Gratitude Shifts Everything36:15 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps 📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/🔹 The HelpHUB™ – https://www.thehelphub.co/🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – https://schosersolutions.com/🔹 Calmerry – https://calmerry.com/🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads Podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/ 📲 Follow & Connect With Us📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜