⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening.
In Part 2 of this deeply emotional conversation, Linda Falasco speaks with Ben Harris about the life and loss of his youngest brother, Michael, a U.S. Marine who struggled with mental health after deployment and died by suicide.
Ben shares Michael’s story with honesty and love—his service, his suffering, and the moments where he asked for help but was met with silence. This episode explores military mental health, PTSD, suicide prevention, sibling grief, and the unique challenges men face when expressing pain.
Together, Linda and Ben discuss anger, loneliness, advocacy, and the importance of connection and peer support, including Ben’s involvement with TAPS and sibling-focused initiatives. This conversation offers hope, validation, and a reminder that support does exist—and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
RESOURCES:
💜 Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/
💜 Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart - Amazon: https://a.co/d/6KSlue
💜 Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope - Amazon: https://a.co/d/dDBApwo
Subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss each day’s gentle support.
💜 Suicide Loss Support Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3361418054156075
CONNECT WITH Ben Harris: [email protected]
Website: https://www.siblingstrongretreats.com/
CONNECT WITH LINDA:
https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw
This video is NOT sponsored. If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible! Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw
Chapters:
00:00 Michael's Life and Legacy
01:28 Michael's Journey: From College to the Marines
05:02 The Struggles of Military Life and Mental Health
08:47 The Tragic End: Michael's Battle with PTSD
12:31 Advocacy and Change: Lessons from Michael's Story
16:31 Navigating Grief
26:46 Navigating Anger and Loneliness in Grief
31:38 The Sibling Strong Initiative: A New Path Forward
37:19 Building Community and Connection in Grief
47:20Finding Hope and Support in the Journey
DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE OR THERAPY.
MORE RESOURCES:
💙 If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, loss, or mental health challenges, help is available.
Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. You are not alone.
Immediate Crisis Support (24/7)
- Military Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1, or Text 838255 for immediate support.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Connects to trained counselors for any mental health crisis.
Loss of a Sibling: https://bereavedparentsusa.org/help-for-siblings/
TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS, INC: https://www.taps.org/
#MensMentalHealth #GriefSupport #HealingJourney #CancerLoss #MendingPieceByPiece #LoveAndLoss #FaithAndHealing #WidowerSupport #HonoringLovedOnes #GrievingMen #MentalHealthAwareness