Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental-health professional or a trusted support system. For a list of resources and more, visit the mental-health page of our website.
As we wrap up Suicide Awareness Month, we reflect on the complex emotions that surround loss, especially for those affected by suicide.
Throughout our four-part podcast series, we’ve explored the deep personal stories of loss, resilience and hope. In this final episode, we bring back some of the voices you heard in episode 1: mental-health experts Emily Vander Velden and Jeremy Schumacher. Together, we unpack strategies for coping with loss, and the lifelong journey of balancing mourning and healing.
As we conclude this series, we hope the stories shared and the insights offered have provided some comfort, clarity and support. Grief and recovery are not about moving on, but about learning to carry our losses with us in a way that honors both the past and the present. Whether you’re in the midst of your own healing or supporting someone else on their journey, remember it’s okay to take things one step at a time — because grief is ongoing, but so is healing. Together, we can create the spaces and connections needed to support both.
One of the spaces where people can come together to explore the intersection of healing and expression is Music, Art & Mental Health: An Open Event, which aims to showcase how art and music can serve as tools for coping with the mental-health challenges we all face. Join us from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at MARN Art + Culture Hub, where we’ll use creative expression as a means of navigating mental health.
Listen to this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee and the full four-part series to hear perspectives from all corners of our community:
- Sept. 3: Overview and Understanding — In this opening episode, we dive into the complexities of suicide. Experts in mental health provide insights to the underlying issues that can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This episode will lay the foundation for a month of exploration, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of suicide and why it remains a critical public health issue.
- Sept. 10: Community and Connection — We explore the role of community and connection in suicide prevention by hearing from local organizations, support groups and individuals working to create safe spaces and strong support networks for those at risk.
- Sept. 24: Creating a Culture — Talking with the co-founders of Black Space about the importance of understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds as a way to break the cycle of silence and stigmas.
- Sept. 26: Grief, Healing and Recovery — Experts in grief counseling and mental health share strategies for coping with loss and finding a path to recovery. This episode also addresses the ongoing nature of grief and how individuals can find ways to honor their loved ones while moving forward. Listeners will gain insights to the delicate balance between mourning and healing, and the importance of self-care in this process.
