In this latest episode of Without Regret the Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of speaking with the inspiring Lisa Sugarman. Lisa is a Boston-based author, columnist, crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, storyteller with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), survivor of suicide loss, and a passionate mental health advocate.

Lisa’s mission is profoundly personal and deeply impactful: to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide by normalizing conversations about these often-taboo topics. And in this episode, she opened up about her own heart-wrenching journey of loss and healing, offering us a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Lisa’s story is one of unimaginable pain transformed into a purposeful life of advocacy. She shared with us how, 35 years after her father Jim’s death, she learned that he had taken his own life. This revelation forced her to re-grieve his loss, this time with the weight of understanding that he had been suffering in silence. During a time when mental illness was rarely spoken about, her father’s struggle remained hidden, leaving him unable to get the help he desperately needed.

What struck me most about Lisa’s story is not just the immense sorrow she had to process, but the incredible resilience and determination she displayed in the aftermath. Rather than letting her grief consume her, Lisa made the brave decision to turn her pain into purpose. She now dedicates her life to helping others through her work with The Trevor Project and NAMI, and by sharing her story to raise awareness and foster understanding.

Throughout our conversation, Lisa emphasized the importance of storytelling in breaking down the barriers that keep people silent about their struggles with mental health. She believes that by sharing our experiences of loss, grief, and recovery, we can find strength and healing within our communities. Lisa’s commitment to this cause is truly inspiring, and it’s clear that her work is making a difference in the lives of so many.

One of the most powerful moments of our discussion was when Lisa talked about the importance of creating safe spaces where people can talk openly about their mental health without fear of judgment. It’s a reminder that, as a society, we still have a long way to go in ensuring that everyone feels comfortable seeking help when they need it.

I encourage everyone to listen to this episode, whether you’ve personally been touched by suicide and mental illness or not. Lisa’s story is a crucial reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the power of sharing our truths.

As we continue to navigate the often challenging conversations surrounding mental health, let’s take Lisa’s words to heart and strive to create a world where no one has to suffer in silence. Because, as Lisa so eloquently put it, “One. Story. At. A. Time.”

Thank you, Lisa, for your bravery, your compassion, and for the incredible work you’re doing to help end the stigma around mental health and suicide. Your story has touched my heart, and I know it will resonate with so many of our listeners as well.

Listen to the full episode here, and join us in this vital conversation about mental health, suicide, loss, and healing.

Let’s continue to support one another, share our stories, and break down the barriers that keep us from seeking help. Together, we can make a difference.