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Surviving Multiple Family Suicides

This week on the Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino interviews Don Ryan, a social worker, speaker, and author of 'The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One.' Don shares his personal experiences of losing three family members to suicide, including his father, cousin, and brother, and how these tragedies have shaped his life and career. He discusses the impact of guilt, shame, and familial secrecy on his mental health, and the importance of open communication and support. Don also explores the societal stigmas around mental health and suicide, especially among men, and offers insights into proactive parenting and emotional resilience. The episode highlights Don's journey of writing his book to support others going through similar experiences and his efforts to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
Broadcast on:
02 Nov 2024

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Don Ryan, a social worker, former therapist, and author of 'The Secret Struggle, Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One.' 

Don shares his personal and professional experiences with loss and suicide, having lost three family members, including his father and brother, to suicide. 

He reflects on the impact of these experiences on his life and career, how he dealt with guilt and shame, and the importance of open communication and therapy. 

Don also discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, especially among men, and the necessity for proactive conversations about emotional well-being. 

This discussion aims to offer support and insight to those affected by suicide and to advocate for more open and compassionate discourse on mental health.

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This week on the Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino interviews Don Ryan, a social worker, speaker, and author of 'The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One.' Don shares his personal experiences of losing three family members to suicide, including his father, cousin, and brother, and how these tragedies have shaped his life and career. He discusses the impact of guilt, shame, and familial secrecy on his mental health, and the importance of open communication and support. Don also explores the societal stigmas around mental health and suicide, especially among men, and offers insights into proactive parenting and emotional resilience. The episode highlights Don's journey of writing his book to support others going through similar experiences and his efforts to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness.