“I can’t spend the next 30 years of my life like this—that’s not a life.”

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode features Betsy Thibaud Stephenson, author of Blackbird, sharing her deeply personal experience of navigating unimaginable loss after the death of her son to suicide, along with multiple losses that followed.

Instead of avoiding grief, Betsy faced it head-on—writing in real time and speaking openly about loss, mental health, healing, and what it means to rebuild your life after everything changes.

This conversation offers honest insight into the emotional reality of grief and practical ways to cope, process loss, and move forward—one small step at a time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to cope with grief and suicide loss
• Why letting go of “what if” supports healing
• The importance of allowing yourself to feel grief
• How small steps can help you rebuild after loss
• What to say to someone who is grieving

If you’re grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode provides a way forward with compassion, clarity, and hope.

To learn more about Betsy and her book, please visit blackbirdbetsy.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to other mental health episodes, including Episode #52 – “3 Ways to Lift Yourself Out of Depression with Garry Cosnett” or Episode #50 “Why Talking About Mental Health Builds Stronger Kids with Sandra Lau.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.

Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com

Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on her website and on Insight Timer. The one mentioned in this podcast,” Imagine it Working Out: A Hope Meditation,” can be found here.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

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