In this moving episode released on World Suicide Prevention Day, Gretchen and Lisa open up about the global crisis of suicide and its far-reaching ripple effects on families, communities, and cultures. Together, they share survivor stories, lessons from around the world, and practical ways we can each be part of prevention and healing.

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

This week’s conversation honors World Suicide Prevention Day with a heartfelt exploration of how suicide affects every culture, every community, and every family. Gretchen shares her personal survival story, Lisa reflects on her own losses, and together they challenge the stigma around saying the word suicide out loud. From the devastating statistics—over 700,000 lives lost each year and more than 94 million left grieving—to the simple yet powerful actions like sharing stories, holding space, and posting the 988 Lifeline, this episode reminds us that prevention starts with awareness and compassion.

• Suicide is a universal crisis that transcends race, religion, and geography.
• Every loss to suicide impacts at least 135 people, creating waves of grief and trauma.
• Open, honest conversations about suicide reduce shame and isolation.
• Small actions—sharing a story, posting resources, volunteering, or checking in on someone—can save lives.
• Compassion, connection, and collective responsibility are essential to changing the narrative.

00:00 – Trigger warning & opening thoughts

01:13 – Why World Suicide Prevention Day matters

04:15 – The global impact of suicide and the ripple effect

07:04 – Survivor guilt, shame, and the importance of opening up

10:00 – Cultural differences in prevention and awareness

13:39 – Communities, resources, and raising awareness

15:27 – Using social media as a prevention tool

17:36 – How sharing personal stories reduces stigma

18:45 – The radiator metaphor: releasing heavy thoughts

20:58 – Learning from global practices

22:26 – Volunteering, advocacy, and journaling for reflection

24:23 – Changing the narrative one conversation at a time

25:14 – Suicide prevention as a shared human responsibility

26:06 – Closing reflections & reminders

🔹 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/

📷 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. 💜

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