The Sibling Left Behind: A Brother's Grief, Military Mental Health and Suicide Loss (Part 2)

The Sibling Left Behind: A Brother's Grief, Military Mental Health and Suicide Loss (Part 2)

⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In Part 2 of this deeply emotional conversation, Linda Falasco speaks with Ben Harris about the life and loss of his youngest brother, Michael, a U.S. Marine who struggled with mental health after deployment and died by suicide. Ben shares Michael’s story with honesty and love—his service, his suffering, and the moments where he asked for help but was met with silence. This episode explores military mental health, PTSD, suicide prevention, sibling grief, and the unique challenges men face when expressing pain. Together, Linda and Ben discuss anger, loneliness, advocacy, and the importance of connection and peer support, including Ben’s involvement with TAPS and sibling-focused initiatives. This conversation offers hope, validation, and a reminder that support does exist—and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. RESOURCES: 💜 Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/  💜 Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart  - Amazon: https://a.co/d/6KSlue 💜 Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope - Amazon: https://a.co/d/dDBApwo Subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss each day’s gentle support. 💜 Suicide Loss Support Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3361418054156075 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/3361418054156075] CONNECT WITH Ben Harris: ben@siblingstrongretreats.com Website: https://www.siblingstrongretreats.com/ CONNECT WITH LINDA:  https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw  Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw  This video is NOT sponsored. If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible! Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw [https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw] Chapters: 00:00 Michael's Life and Legacy 01:28 Michael's Journey: From College to the Marines 05:02 The Struggles of Military Life and Mental Health 08:47 The Tragic End: Michael's Battle with PTSD 12:31 Advocacy and Change: Lessons from Michael's Story 16:31 Navigating Grief 26:46 Navigating Anger and Loneliness in Grief 31:38 The Sibling Strong Initiative: A New Path Forward 37:19 Building Community and Connection in Grief 47:20Finding Hope and Support in the Journey DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE OR  THERAPY. MORE RESOURCES: 💙 If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, loss, or mental health challenges, help is available. Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. You are not alone. Immediate Crisis Support (24/7) * Military Crisis Line [https://www.google.com/search?q=Military+Crisis+Line&sca_esv=59623aa993e8ccae&ei=CSRwadeAFoWf5NoP5OHngA8&ved=2ahUKEwjMxomTtpuSAxWIMVkFHWGHADIQgK4QegQIAxAB&uact=5&oq=military+resources+mental+health&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiIG1pbGl0YXJ5IHJlc291cmNlcyBtZW50YWwgaGVhbHRoMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgsQABiABBiKBRiGAzIIEAAYgAQYogRI3B1QgQVY_xtwAXgBkAEAmAFkoAHVCaoBBDEzLjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAg-gApgKwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICDRAAGIAEGIoFGEMYsAPCAgsQABiABBiKBRiRAsICBRAAGIAEwgIIEAAYiQUYogTCAgUQABjvBZgDAIgGAZAGCJIHBDExLjSgB9tZsgcEMTAuNLgHlgrCBwUwLjcuOMgHLYAIAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp]: Dial 988, then Press 1, or Text 838255 for immediate support. * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Connects to trained counselors for any mental health crisis.  Loss of a Sibling: https://bereavedparentsusa.org/help-for-siblings/ [https://bereavedparentsusa.org/help-for-siblings/] TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS, INC: https://www.taps.org/ [https://www.taps.org/] #MensMentalHealth #GriefSupport #HealingJourney #CancerLoss #MendingPieceByPiece #LoveAndLoss #FaithAndHealing #WidowerSupport #HonoringLovedOnes #GrievingMen #MentalHealthAwareness

Grief, Brotherhood, and Resilience: Ben Harris on Loss, Meaning, and Peer Support (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Linda Falasco sits down with Ben Harris to explore grief, suicide loss, resilience, and the healing power of peer support. Ben shares his deeply personal journey of losing his father, his brother Christopher, and later his youngest brother Michael, who died by suicide while serving in the Marine Corps. Together, Linda and Ben discuss how every grief journey is unique, why storytelling and narrative matter in healing, and what it truly means to “hold space” for someone who is grieving. This episode explores family dynamics, emotional expression, mental health, and how community and compassion can transform loss into meaning. If you’re navigating grief, supporting someone through loss, or seeking hope after suicide loss, this conversation offers validation, understanding, and connection. Chapters: 00:00 Finding Community in Loss 02:45 The Journey of Healing and Resilience 08:22 Emotional Expression and Family Dynamics 11:48 The Importance of Space and Grace in Grief 24:24 Navigating Grief and Resilience 30:14 Coping Mechanisms and Family Dynamics 33:34 The Impact of Substance Abuse on Grief 36:33 Finding Meaning in Loss 46:46 Peer Support and Community Healing 51:07 Sharing Stories to Help Others RESOURCES: 💜 Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/  💜 Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart  - Amazon: https://a.co/d/6KSlue 💜 Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope - Amazon: https://a.co/d/dDBApwo Subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss each day’s gentle support. CONNECT WITH Ben Harris: ben@siblingstrongretreats.com [ben@siblingstrongretreats.com] Website: https: //www.siblingstrongretreats.com/ CONNECT WITH LINDA:  https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw  Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw  This video is NOT sponsored. If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible! Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw  DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE OR  THERAPY. 💙 If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, loss, or mental health challenges, help is available. Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. You are not alone. #MensMentalHealth #GriefSupport #HealingJourney #CancerLoss #MendingPieceByPiece #LoveAndLoss #FaithAndHealing #WidowerSupport #HonoringLovedOnes #GrievingMen #MentalHealthAwareness

Navigating Grief After Suicide: A Brother’s Story of Healing & Hope

Grief, healing, suicide prevention, mental health, loss, brotherhood, emotional support, and hope take center stage in this powerful conversation with Govan Martin of the Suicide Prevention Alliance.In this episode of Mending Piece by Piece, Govan shares his personal journey after losing his brother Michael to suicide, offering insight into the lifelong nature of grief and the importance of open, honest conversations around mental health. Together, we explore how emotional “backpacks” shape our healing, why community connection matters, and how advocacy can transform unimaginable loss into meaningful change.From navigating the silence after tragedy to understanding the critical role of postvention, this episode sheds light on the realities families face after suicide — and the hope that can still be found in connection, storytelling, and support.Whether you're grieving, supporting someone through their loss, or passionate about suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and encouraged.Key Takeaways: - Grief is ongoing and often feels like waves in the ocean. - Govan's healing journey began after losing his brother Michael to suicide. - Conversations about mental health — especially for men — must be normalized. - Emotional “backpacks” represent the weight of trauma and grief we carry. - Support systems lighten the emotional load in profound ways. - Postvention is essential for preventing future suicides. - Mental health education and early conversations save lives. - Advocacy creates community, hope, and change.RESOURCES:💜 Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/ 💜 Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart - Amazon: https://a.co/d/6KSlue💜 Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope - Amazon: https://a.co/d/dDBApwoSubscribe to my channel so you don’t miss each day’s gentle support.CONNECT WITH Govan Martin:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPAllies4Hope/Website: https://www.suicidepreventionalliance.org/CONNECT WITH LINDA: https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw This video is NOT sponsored. If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible! Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE OR THERAPY.💙 If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, loss, or mental health challenges, help is available.Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. You are not alone.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Grief and Healing Conversations02:41 Govan's Journey Through Loss05:30 Understanding Grief as a Process07:49 Remembering Michael: A Brother's Reflection09:57 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Grief13:54 The Day of the Tragedy19:40 A Pivotal Moment with the Priest23:54 Navigating Grief in Silence27:53 The Role of Family in Healing29:23 Navigating Relationships and Emotional Support34:31 The Weight of Emotional Baggage42:33 Finding Healing Through Connection49:09 Breaking the Silence on Mental Health52:54 Understanding Grief Beyond Stages54:59 The Importance of Postvention58:34 Changing the Narrative in Suicide Prevention01:03:50 The Mission of Suicide Prevention Alliance01:07:05 Starting Conversations to Connect Through Hope01:11:25 Finding Hope in Healing01:16:18 The Ongoing Process of Grief

Navigating Grief, Fatherhood & Resilience with Hogan Hilling

In this powerful episode of the Mending Piece by Piece Podcast, Hogan Hilling shares his deeply personal journey of grief following the loss of his son, Wesley. As a father of a child with disabilities, Hogan explains how grief began long before Wesley’s passing — woven into daily challenges, anticipatory fears, and moments of profound love. Hogan opens up about the pressures men face to remain “strong” and silent, and how breaking these stereotypes is essential for healing. He emphasizes the role of empathy, community, and safe spaces for men to express their emotions without judgment. He also introduces Preston’s Charm, a project that fosters connection and healing through shared stories of loss, and shares his transformative framework, The Eight Rules of Grief, offering guidance for anyone navigating the complex world of loss. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that grief is not just about death — it’s about the connections we maintain, the stories we share, and the communities that carry us. If you or someone you love is grieving, this episode offers understanding, comfort, and a new way to talk about grief. Chapters: 05:46: Hogan's Journey as a Stay-at-Home Dad10:17: Wesley's Life and Impact on Hogan15:09: The Nature of Grief: Daily Losses and Challenges19:53: Redefining Masculinity in Grief and Parenting24:37: Navigating Relationships and Societal Expectations32:22: The Emotional Landscape of Grief38:23: Let's Talk Grief: A National Crusade01:00:42: Finding Joy Amidst Grief01:04:43: Creating a Legacy Through Grief01:08:41: The Eight Rules of Grief Hogan's Book: Preston's Charm: A Charm-ing, Healthy and Empathetic Approach to Grief: https://a.co/d/58W4ama [https://www.amazon.com/Prestons-Charm-Charm-ing-Empathetic-Approach/dp/1665759402/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QMGUMXPFLW7T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7Jn5yCY3ON2EaLynWVNLZVELhTzs-vUgBryGb6H-n9dUjm55euGFJ0vchL61DAlZBL_vXxFPr3h5Q2grQQLsZbb-apl5aFFlV9SgT8DSZ6b5eKvmjexI-saYrwi5N-4qQ3KPUqMB45jqvTtY497Hu1te4zk57GTaflvK-YmiTRqQ39FZ4WY4TJBdXL2Epg9Fkboc7xGX3EB1PzjO85dLi6jpPRQ5nH8aPY_W2orhLk.67l9NOHj3DKen2bxEZMZ6lZ6su__uTx8kc1EBh5bx7Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=hogan+hilling+preston%27s+charm&qid=1764092516&sprefix=hogan+hilling+prestons+charm%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1]Connect with Hogan Hilling: Website: https://www.letstalkgrief.org/aboutFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetsTalkGriefUSATour RESOURCES:💜 Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/ 💜 Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart - Amazon: https://a.co/d/6KSlue💜 Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope - Amazon: https://a.co/d/dDBApwoSubscribe to my channel so you don’t miss each day’s gentle support.CONNECT WITH LINDA: https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw This video is NOT sponsored. If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible! Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE OR THERAPY.Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/LindaFalasco💙 If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, loss, or mental health challenges, help is available.Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. You are not alone.#MensMentalHealth #GriefSupport #HealingJourney #CancerLoss #MendingPieceByPiece #LoveAndLoss #FaithAndHealing #WidowerSupport #HonoringLovedOnes #GrievingMen #MentalHealthAwareness

Navigating Grief: A Husband’s Journey of Love, Loss, and Healing

Dr. E.J. Hanhart shares his journey of love, loss, and healing after losing his wife, Wendy, to cancer — exploring men’s grief, vulnerability, and the power of honoring loved ones through life.In this heartfelt episode of Mending Piece by Piece, Linda Falasco, LCSW, sits down with Dr. E.J. Hanhart — veterinarian, flight paramedic, husband, and grieving widower — to talk about navigating life after loss.After losing his beloved wife, Wendy, to cancer, E.J. opens up about the emotional challenges of grief from a male perspective: the pressure to stay strong, the importance of vulnerability, and the power of love that continues even after death.Together, Linda and E.J. explore:-How men process grief and the myths surrounding “male strength.”-The role of faith, family, and community in healing.-Finding normalcy while living with loss.-Honoring a loved one’s memory through daily rituals and meaningful gestures.E.J. reminds us that grief isn’t something to “get over” — it’s something we integrate, learning to live fully while keeping the memory of our loved ones alive.💬 Chapters00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss03:59 E.J.’s Journey Through Love and Loss09:48 Honoring Loved Ones After Loss15:37 Support Systems During Difficult Times34:15 Living in the Moment Amidst Grief45:53 Men and Societal Expectations in Grief52:21 Embracing Grief as a New Dimension of Life01:02:30 Faith and Healing01:09:27 Normalizing Grief and Opening Conversations01:25:59 Integrating Grief Into LifeRESOURCES:💜 Mending Piece by Piece Newsletter at: https://mendingpiecebypiece.beehiiv.com/ 💜 Mending Piece By Piece After A Suicide Loss: Guided Grief Workbook & Journal to Heal the Survivor's Heart - Amazon: https://a.co/d/6KSlue💜 Mending Piece By Piece: A Workbook & Journal for Navigating Grief with Hope - Amazon: https://a.co/d/dDBApwoSubscribe to my channel so you don’t miss each day’s gentle support.CONNECT WITH LINDA: https://linktr.ee/lindafalascolcsw Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/LindaFalascoLCSW/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindafalascolcsw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindafalascolcsw This video is NOT sponsored. If you find value in our podcast, we would love your support. Your generous contributions through Buy Me a Coffee help us continue building this community and producing conversations that shine a light on grief in all its forms. Every cup of coffee and kind word helps us continue this important work. Thank you for helping us make this possible! Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lindafalascolcsw DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE OR THERAPY.Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/LindaFalasco💙 If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, loss, or mental health challenges, help is available.Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. You are not alone.