When the Helpers Hurt: Grief, Suicide & Finding Hope | With Dr. Alyssa

The deconstruction and survivor communities are grieving the heartbreaking loss of Ryan Stollar—a respected advocate, writer, and tireless voice for abuse survivors, child protection, and those harmed within evangelical and homeschooling communities.

Rather than speculate about Ryan's personal struggles, this episode is an opportunity to have an honest and compassionate conversation about grief, suicide, trauma, and hope.

Joining me is Dr. Alyssa, who not only shares her professional expertise but also bravely opens up about her own experience with suicidal thoughts. Together, we explore how grief affects us, why suicide leaves behind such complex emotions, how religious trauma and deconstruction can impact mental health, and how we can better support one another through life's darkest moments.

Whether you're grieving the loss of someone you love, processing your own pain, supporting a friend, or simply trying to understand mental health more deeply, this conversation is for you.

In this episode we discuss:
• The unique grief that follows suicide
• Religious trauma and its impact on mental health
• Why people who help others can still struggle silently
• Warning signs that someone may be in crisis
• How to support someone who is grieving
• Finding hope when life feels overwhelming

This episode contains discussions of suicide, depression, and grief. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available.

United States & Canada
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Outside the U.S.
Please contact your local emergency services or your country's suicide prevention crisis service.

You are not alone. Help is available, and your life matters.

If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need to hear this conversation.

#MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Grief #ReligiousTrauma #Deconstruction #FaithDeconstruction #TraumaRecovery #Healing #Podcast #UnholierThanThou

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