Gretchen’s Turning Point: What her suicide attempt taught her about living

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March 26, 2025 • 27 mins

In this deeply moving episode, Lisa Sugarman and Gretchen Schoser dive into Gretchen’s powerful story of survival, sharing the events that led to her breaking point and the path she took to reclaim her life. Together, they explore the importance of boundaries, community, and speaking up—even when it feels impossible. 🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube A video version of this episode is available here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel 🎙️ Episode Sponsored by Calmerry This episode is proudly brought to you by Calmerry, an online therapy platform providing affordable and accessible professional counseling. 🌐 Visit: https://calmerry.com/the-survivors-podcast/ 🎟️ Use code SURVIVORS20 for 20% off your first month. Because your mental well-being matters. 💙 💬 Episode Summary In this raw and profoundly human episode, co-host Gretchen shares her emotional journey through depression, grief, and survival after a life-altering series of events in 2022. From early retirement and her spouse’s illness to a terrifying car accident, being catfished, and enduring multiple personal losses, Gretchen found herself on the brink—until a freezing Christmas Day pushed her to reach out to the 988 Lifeline. What followed was a transformational healing journey powered by therapy, boundary-setting, and the bold sharing of her truth. Now a thriving business owner and host of two mental health podcasts, Gretchen’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and reclaiming your voice. 🔑 Key Takeaways Extroverts Can Be in Crisis, Too: People who always seem “okay” may hide intense struggles. Don’t overlook them—ask more profound questions. Healing Isn’t Linear: Growth comes in waves. Gretchen’s journey shows that recovery takes time, tools, and constant learning. Boundaries Are Life-Saving: Saying “no” and protecting your emotional space is essential—especially for empaths. ✅ Actionable Items Save & Share 988: Add the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to your phone and share it with others: https://988lifeline.org Check on Your “Strong” Friends: Go beyond “How are you?” Ask intentional, caring questions and create space for honest answers. Protect Your Peace: Audit your emotional energy regularly. Gretchen uses a mental “black box” to keep out unnecessary drama. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Content Warning 00:24 - Gretchen’s Mental Health Spiral 07:03 - Rock Bottom on Christmas Day 08:33 - Finding Support & Starting Therapy 10:50 - Sharing Her Story Publicly 13:20 - Creating a New Purpose 24:55 - The Power of Community & Visibility 26:40 - Final Thoughts & Resources 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode