Girls Night #179: What to do if someone you love is having suicidal thoughts — and how to heal after losing someone — with Kayla Stoecklein

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!

Today’s episode is a hard one, but a really, really important one. Today we’re talking about what to do if you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts. We’re also talking about how to heal and move forward after a tragedy. 

You guys know I’m all about mental health — I want to talk about it as often as possible. But you may not know that I’ve lost several friends to suicide throughout my life. 

And the thing is — I know I’m not the only one. 

That’s why I wanted to talk about it here on the show.

Our guest for today is Kayla Stoecklein. Kayla is an author, speaker and mother of 3 little boys. Kayla became an unexpected widow in August 2018 when her husband, Andrew, the pastor of their large church in California, died by suicide. With three young boys also grieving and a heart full of pain, it became her mission to bring hope and help to others who have faced unexpected hardships.

She recently wrote a book called, Rebuilding Beautiful: Welcome What Is, Dare to Dream Again, and Step Bravely into What Could Be  – I can’t wait for you to hear more about it! 

Here are a few of the things she’ll be talking to us about in the episode 

• First, she shares about the stigmas surrounding mental health and why it’s so important for us to check in on our loved ones 

• Next, she talks through what to do if we know someone who is struggling with their mental health or suicidal thoughts and how to seek help

• And finally, she shares how to start healing and rebuilding your life after you’ve gone through a hardship or a tragedy. 

This episode is incredible. The things Kayla shared with me were just amazing. I am so deeply grateful for the work she’s doing.The second we hung up the phone, I immediately texted several friends about it. This is a conversation I know I’ll be sharing and re-sharing for years to come. 

I’m praying this conversation is as helpful for you as I know it’s been for me.

If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to seek help. Here are resources for you:

• 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24 hours), you can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Here is their website: https://988lifeline.org/

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