Facing the Unfathomable – Grief, Suicide, and Living Fully After Loss

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Ever wondered what it’s like to face death – not your own, but the sudden loss of a child to suicide? In this raw and moving chat, I sit down with Christine Pedley, a grief counsellor, death doula, and author who turned unimaginable pain into purpose. If you’ve ever felt lost in the silence around death and dying, this episode reminds you that talking about it isn’t just okay – it’s essential.

Christine’s story began long before her son Jono’s death at 31. With over two decades in palliative care, she’s helped families navigate end-of-life moments and create ceremonies that honour both life and love. But nothing prepared her for the shock and chaos of suicide grief. We talk about her healing journey — finding strength in nature, journaling ‘glimmers’ of hope, and challenging myths about suicide and the language we use.

Her book, Facing the Unfathomable: Surviving Your Child’s Suicide, shares her story and offers guidance to those supporting others through loss. Christine also opens up about death literacy — why we must talk about dying before it reaches us. From raw family conversations to honouring Jono with a memorial seat overlooking the city, she shows that grief isn’t linear; it’s beginning, middle, and forever.

What you’ll hear:
• From palliative care to grieving mum
• Myths and language around suicide
• ‘Glimmer journaling’ and nature’s role in healing
• The “Amazing Mums” community
• How to support grief without fixing it

Check out Christine’s book: Facing the Unfathomable: Surviving your son's suicide

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

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Podcast Editor: www.livvimedia.com.au

Music composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/