Mending Piece by Piece

episode artwork

Linda Falasco

02 July 2024

44m 45s

Finding Hope in Grief After Losing My Brother to Suicide

00:00

44:45

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains depictions of death and suicide. We understand that some may find these activating and/or disturbing. Please check the show notes for more detailed descriptions and additional resources. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Description:

Join Linda Falasco on a deeply personal episode of Mending Piece by Piece as she bravely shares her path to healing after the profound loss of her brother Jeff to suicide. Linda's journey was shaped by action and community support, starting with her involvement in a support group for suicide survivors (SOS group) and connecting with fellow survivors at conferences. Through unexpected opportunities to speak about her grief, Linda's passion for advocacy was ignited.

Linda's grief became a driving force for change as she realized the importance of sharing her story and honoring her brother's memory. By engaging with national organizations, Linda brought crucial awareness and support back to her local community, emphasizing suicide prevention and aiding those affected by loss.

Throughout her transformative journey, Linda's unwavering faith in God and the steadfast support of her family provided the foundation for her work. Together with her husband and children, they have become beacons of hope for others navigating the complex aftermath of suicide loss. Tune in as Linda reflects on discovering profound purpose in her grief and continues to inspire healing and resilience in others.

Key Moments:

        Coping and Taking Action  How Linda turned her grief into action as a means of coping with her brother's suicide.

 

  • (2:28) Coping and Taking Action:  How Linda turned her grief into action as a means of coping with her brother's suicide.

  • (3:51) Finding Comfort in Community: Linda's experience with the SOS group, finding solace and understanding among others who share similar loss.

  • (6:27) Connecting at Survivor Conferences: Attending conferences on suicide loss and connecting with fellow siblings and survivors.

  • (10:12) Igniting a Passion for Advocacy: Linda's first speaking engagement at a conference about her grief sparked a deep passion for advocacy.

  • (14:49) Bringing Awareness to the Community: Linda's efforts to bring suicide prevention awareness and support back to her local community.

  • (20:35) Support from Family: The pivotal role of Linda's husband and children in her healing journey and advocacy work.

  • (21:54) Faith as a Foundation: How Linda's faith in God provided hope and strength during her journey of healing.

  • (24:21) Discovering a Gift in Grief: Linda's reflection on finding profound purpose and meaning in her grief, inspiring others to heal and thrive.

This episode is a testament to the power of community, faith, and personal resilience in navigating the aftermath of suicide loss and finding hope amidst profound sorrow.

CONNECT WITH LINDA:

https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw

Facebook: @lindafalascolcsw 

Instagram: @lindafalascolcsw 

TikTok: @lindafalascolcsw

YouTube: @lindafalascolcsw 

Sign up for the Mending Piece by Piece newsletter at lindafalascolcsw.com/signup 

Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart

Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope

Amazon: https://a.co/d/bNI8V3I

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-piece-by-piece-lcsw-licsw-linda-falasco/1145157190?ean=9798989510405

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: https://save.org/

 

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