Destigmatizing Suicide: A Mother’s Journey with Lynn Handmacher Chanin on Love, Loss, and Advocacy

In this episode of Grief & Grit, we sit down with Lynn Handmacher Chanin, who lost her 16-year-old son Benjamin to suicide 15 years ago. With candor, strength, and grace, Lynn shares how she navigated the initial shock, the unbearable grief, and the long road toward healing.

 

Through Ben’s story, Lynn challenges us to change the way we talk about suicide. She discusses the importance of language — why we should say “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” — and emphasizes that mental illness is just that: illness. Not weakness. Not shameful. And not a crime.

 

We talk about how grief and joy can live side by side, how peer support saved her life, and how she found love again with someone who deeply understood her pain. Lynn is now a powerful voice in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, working with Survivors of Suicide, AFSP, and launching culturally relevant programs like Through a Jewish Lens.

 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by suicide or walking alongside someone who is.

 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Remembering Benjamin for who he was — not just how he died

• The language of suicide: why it matters

• The power of peer support and finding your people

• Surviving the aftermath of suicide loss

• Parenting while grieving

• Finding love again with someone who understands grief

• Creating culturally relevant resources for survivors

• Why silence can be dangerous — and how conversation saves lives

 

Resources Mentioned:

• The Link Counseling Center – National Resource Center for Suicide Aftercare
• Survivors of Suicide (SOS)
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” by Harold Kushner

 

💛 If you or someone you love is in crisis, please dial 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

 

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💛 Reminder: If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).