Yes, suicide is a heavy topic, but it is a necessary topic of discussion to save lives, expand mental health options, and for the healing processes of many. If you have read my books (Everything But a Smile & Trials and Tribulations of a Healing Heart), you probably gathered that I’ve experienced deep depression and suicidal attempts. This is not anything I am ashamed of, and my experiences have given me keen insight into what signs to look out for my children, my clients, and people who are comfortable enough to open up to me. I am not a licensed therapist, but I am a person who is willing to “walk” with someone to the next stop in their healing journey.

Christopher Parker Howard connected with me to see if I would be open to appearing on his podcast, Coffee Over Suicide. I agreed, and I’m glad I did. We had an interesting and real conversation about life in Jamaica, racial dynamics in the western hemisphere, and my battles with post-partum depression, mental health, and suicide. Yes - I snot-bubble cried when speaking about my first bout with postpartum depression because after all I have been through, seeing my 1st born with a lifeless grey body and not being allowed to hold her for 6 days after I delivered her still holds the title for the most devastating time of my life. She is a happy and healthy soon-to-be 18-year-old. The two of us healed physically, but that experience tapped danced on my mental health.

Christopher Parker Howard and I laughed over various topics during the episode because life is a full spectrum of emotions. The key is to let them flow and not get too stuck in one emotion or another. If you wish to catch the episode on your favorite podcast platform, check out the graphic below to see where it is available. If you wish to watch it, check it out on the YouTube link below.

Love and Healing,

Aether Candace