The Survivors Podcast

The Hidden Trauma of Suicide Secrecy: Grieving in Reverse and Finding Truth

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What happens when the truth about a loved one’s suicide is revealed decades later? In this profoundly moving episode, Lisa opens up about her own story of “grieving in reverse” after learning that her father's death wasn’t what she had believed for 35 years.

 

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:

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

 

 

🎙️ This episode is proudly brought to you by Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions

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🧠 Episode Summary:

Lisa shares the painful and profoundly personal journey of discovering the truth about her father's death—35 years after it happened. What follows is a raw conversation about “grieving in reverse,” processing hidden trauma, and the courage to reframe our grief through radical acceptance and truth-telling.

 

 
🔍 Lessons Learned:
  • The truth, even when delayed, has healing power.
  • There is no expiration date on grief—or the right time to begin healing.
  • Suicide is not a selfish act, but often the result of untreated mental illness.
  • Rebuilding your narrative can help you honor your past and your future.
  • Vulnerability fosters connection—and storytelling saves lives.

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    ⏱️ Chapters:

    00:00 – Trigger Warning & Opening

    01:10 – What is “Grieving in Reverse”?
    03:30 – Lisa’s Story: A Life Changed by One Conversation
    07:50 – The Impact of Delayed Truth
    13:00 – High Functioning Depression & Missed Signs
    16:00 – Therapy, Support, and Letting Yourself Feel
    19:15 – Rebuilding the Narrative After Loss
    24:00 – Honoring a Loved One’s Legacy
    26:05 – If I Could Talk to My Dad Now…
    28:30 – Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
    31:00 – Help Is Always Available

     

     

    📚 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

     

     

    🗳️ A Shameless Plug for Our Sister Podcast!

    Our incredible sister podcast, Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, has been nominated for two People's Choice Podcast Awards—the Adam Curry Award and the Health Award! 🏆
    Let’s help them bring it home! Here's how:
    👉 Go to https://www.podcastawards.com
    👉 Register with a valid email address (they do verify emails)
    👉 Vote for Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads in both categories
    🗓️ Deadline to vote is July 31st, 2025
    Thank you for supporting their powerful mission to normalize mental health conversations through raw, real, and relatable storytelling!

     


    #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

     

     

    🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

     

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    The Survivors PodcastBy Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton
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