Jason McKenzie shares his heart-wrenching journey through grief after losing his wife to suicide and his daughter to trauma-induced mental health struggles. His story reveals how childhood trauma ripples through generations and how he found healing through sobriety, purposeful grief work, and helping others.
• Lost his police officer wife to suicide after years battling mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma
• Daughters were just six and five when their mother died, causing deep trauma despite their young age
• Developed a four-year drinking problem while trying to appear like he "had it together"
• Experienced breakthrough moment when his nine-year-old daughter said "I'm disappointed in you"
• Lost his 19-year-old daughter to a car accident related to mental health struggles
• Discovered that many mental health issues stem from unprocessed childhood trauma
• Creates TikTok videos about grief that have reached 40 million views and helped prevent suicides
• Uses somatic experiencing therapy to process grief through body awareness
• Writing a book called "Man Down" about grief specifically targeted to men
• Emphasizes the power of intentional language in shaping our experience of grief
• Practices positive reframing: "I can be grateful for 19 years with her because it's better than zero"
• Believes healing comes through facing what seems unfaceable and sitting with difficult emotions
Contact Jason through TonyMantor.com if you'd like to share your story on Why Not Me? The World podcast.
https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
https://instagram.com/tonymantor
https://twitter.com/tonymantor
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)
The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.
Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.
Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.
Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.
Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.
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