Jan 4, 2023
In this episode, Karen Bruder joins me to share her story about living through her husband’s depression and eventual suicide.
Karen is the mother of Stephanie Bruder, who was my very first podcast guest and shared the story of losing her father to suicide.
Karen talks about how she navigated those really difficult years, what her healing journey has looked like, and how she found love again amongst deep grief and loss.
**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode covers sensitive subject matter and is not suitable for all listeners. If this topic could be a trigger for you, listen to this episode with a friend, a sibling, a loved one or a parent so you can talk about any emotions that come up for you. The contents of this episode are not intended to replace therapy and should not be taken as such. If you need immediate help, please call the crisis hotline listed below in our resources.
Listen in as
we talk about:
- [2:20] The start of Bob’s depression and how it progressed over time
- [4:35] How Bob handled being in the mix of Karen’s divorce from her previous marriage
- [7:40] When Bob’s signs of depressions started to show through disengagement, and how it impacted their children
- [10:40] What EMDR Therapy is
- [15:10] How Karen coped with watching her husband’s depression take over
- [23:15] Why mental health, substance abuse, and secrecy go hand in hand
- [25:05] Surviving his first suicide attempt
- [27:20] The events that led to his eventual suicide
- [33:30] How Karen has been able to welcome new love into her life
- [44:10] What self-love looks like for Karen today
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Rock On: Mining for Joy in the Deep River of Sibling Grief by Susan E. Casey
- Episode 1: https://susanecasey.com/2021/07/07/episode-1-losing-my-father-to-suicide-with-stephanie-bruder/
Grief Hotline:
Connect with Karen here:
Connect with Susan