Surviving the Unthinkable: Lisa’s Story of Losing 3 Loved Ones to Suicide

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, Lisa shares her story of surviving suicide loss and the shocking truth she uncovered decades later about her father's death. Joined by Gretchen, the two explore how silence around mental health can span generations—and how sharing our truths can break cycles, foster healing, and create powerful change.

🎥 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. Start your journey at Calmerry.com and use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month. Because your mental well-being matters. 💙

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lisa shares her journey of surviving suicide loss twice—first, losing her cousin and father as a child, then discovering decades later that her father had died by suicide rather than a heart attack. The revelation shattered her world but ultimately led her to advocacy, support work, and co-founding The Survivors Podcast. Lisa and Gretchen discuss how trauma can shape a person’s path, the importance of open conversations about mental health, and how we can all work to break the stigma surrounding suicide.

Lessons Learned in This Episode:

• The long-lasting impact of suicide loss on survivors.
• The importance of breaking generational cycles of silence around mental health.
• Why sharing your story can be a powerful tool for healing.
• The misconception that suicide is selfish and how that mindset needs to change.
• How community and conversation can help those struggling with loss and grief.

Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction & Trigger Warning
• 00:40 - Lisa’s Journey: A Complex Story of Loss
• 02:06 - Losing Her Father Twice: The Shocking Truth
• 07:11 -  The Moment of Discovery & Emotional Impact
• 10:07 - The Lack of Mental Health Resources in the Past
• 14:56 - Founding The HelpHUB™: A Mental Health Resource Platform
• 18:05 - Turning Pain Into Purpose
• 22:24 - Changing the Narrative: Suicide is Not Selfish
• 26:23 - Building a Supportive Mental Health Community
• 28:57 - Closing Thoughts: The Journey of Healing

📚 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: @the_survivors_podcast
• 🔗 LinkedIn: The Survivors Podcast
• 🎥 YouTube: @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. 💜