The Survivors Podcast

Survivor Guilt After Suicide Loss: How to Reframe, Heal, and Let Go


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In this raw and emotional episode, Lisa and Gretchen unpack the deep and often misunderstood feeling of guilt that follows suicide loss and suicide attempts. Through vulnerable storytelling and insight, they show how guilt can be reframed into grace, healing, and renewed strength.

 

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:

A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

 

 

🎙️ Episode Sponsored by TheHelpHUbB.co

This 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 TheHelpHUB—your online destination for mental health resources, content, and tools to help you navigate whatever mental health challenges you face.

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From suicide loss survivor content to lived-experience blogs, interactive tools, and professional support, The Help Hub meets you where you are—and helps you move forward.

💙 Because your mental well-being matters. 💙

 

 

📝 Episode Summary:

Lisa and Gretchen dive into one of the most unspoken emotional burdens after suicide loss and survival—guilt. They offer two different yet equally powerful perspectives: Lisa as someone who lost loved ones to suicide and Gretchen as a suicide attempt survivor. Together, they explore the complexity of this emotion, share personal stories, and offer practical, compassionate tools for reframing guilt into healing.

 

 

💡 Lessons Learned:

  • Guilt after suicide loss or attempt is common, but not always justified.
  • Naming your guilt and processing it out loud or through writing can release its grip.
  • Support systems, therapy, and peer connection are key to healing.
  • Survivor stories help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.
  • Grace and self-forgiveness are essential parts of recovery.
  •  

     

    ⏱️ Episode Chapters:

    00:00 – Introduction & Trigger Warning
    01:14 – Understanding the Weight of Guilt
    03:00 – Gretchen’s Story: The Attempt, Silence, and Shame
    06:29 – Reframing Weakness as Strength
    08:45 – The Impact of Guilt on Loved Ones
    13:37 – Lisa’s Experience as a Survivor of Suicide Loss
    18:36 – What It Feels Like in a Moment of Crisis
    20:00 – Writing Letters to Heal
    22:11 – “Fact-Check” Your Guilt
    23:14 – Journaling as Therapy
    24:56 – The Power of Talking to Other Survivors
    26:32 – The Lifesaving Role of Therapy
    28:44 – Final Reflections: You Are Not Alone

     

     

    📚 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

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    The Survivors PodcastBy Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton

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