Comforting Closure

Aging is not a disease but a journey filled with wisdom and shared experiences. Let’s shift the narrative from fear to appreciation, recognizing the profound knowledge that comes with age. Watch at: https://lnkd.in/gZua8FiX or listen on your favorite podcast platform. Karen Faith Gordon

One of the biggest misconceptions about suicide is that it has a simple explanation. Survivors of suicide loss are often asked why it happened. In this episode, Joanne Harpel discusses the emotional experience of suicide loss and how to cope with difficult questions from others who may not fully understand. Let’s break the stigma and start conversations around suicide grief. The full episode is now live. Watch at https://lnkd.in/gKiv427E or listen on your favorite podcast platform.? *This post discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988. Joanne Lelewer Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD RETHINK THE CONVERSATION? LTD

In 1993, Joanne Harpel was a successful corporate lawyer when her life took an unexpected turn. Her younger brother suddenly developed bipolar disorder. Less than a year after his diagnosis, he took his own life. In this episode, Joanne shares how her brother’s passing led her to leave the corporate world and dedicate her life to helping others navigate the profound grief of suicide loss. The full episode is now live. Watch at https://lnkd.in/gKiv427E or listen on your favorite podcast platform.? *This post discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988. Joanne Lelewer Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD RETHINK THE CONVERSATION? LTD

After losing her brother to suicide, Joanne Lelewer Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD recalls how people focused on her mother’s grief, often leaving Joanne’s own grief as a sibling unacknowledged. In this episode, Joanne shares how siblings grieving a loss can feel invisible and the importance of offering them the same compassion and care. Watch the full episode now at https://lnkd.in/gKiv427E, or listen on your favorite podcast platform.? *This post discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988. RETHINK THE CONVERSATION? LTD

When someone dies by suicide, those left behind are often grappling with unimaginable grief. One of the most compassionate things we can do is to talk about the person who died, to remember them for who they were, and not just the way they passed. But it’s also important to avoid pressing those grieving for answers that they may not have, as suicide often raises questions that may never be fully answered. Be kind. Be curious. Be supportive. The full episode is now live. Watch at https://lnkd.in/gKiv427E or listen on your favorite podcast platform.? *This post discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988. Joanne Lelewer Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD RETHINK THE CONVERSATION? LTD

Grief is a complex journey, and it’s not just about the moments of deep sadness. There are two lanes we travel: one for feeling the pain of loss and another for finding moments of restoration—whether that’s laughing with a friend, going back to work, or simply noticing when you haven’t thought about your loved one for a little while. Our brains naturally switch between these lanes, helping us heal. This week, we’re talking about how these two lanes of grief work together to guide us through this journey. Episode coming this Thursday at https://lnkd.in/g_yS5dnf.? *This post discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988. Joanne Lelewer Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD RETHINK THE CONVERSATION? LTD

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and one of the most surprising things is how adults and children grieve in similar ways. Just like children, we allow ourselves moments to fully feel the weight of our loss, and then we shift to living life—whether that’s working, connecting with loved ones, or simply being present. We don’t ask children to stop playing and grieve constantly; we shouldn’t ask that of ourselves either. Grief and life can coexist, and it’s through this balance that we begin to heal. Episode coming this Thursday at https://lnkd.in/g_yS5dnf or listen on your favorite podcast platform.? *This post discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988. ? Joanne Lelewer Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD RETHINK THE CONVERSATION? LTD

Joanne Lelewer Harpel, MPhil, CT, JD shares the story of losing her brother to suicide when he was just 26. This devastating experience changed the course of her life, leading her away from her career in law and toward a new purpose: supporting others who are grieving. In this episode, Joanne opens about the emotional journey of healing, how loss reshaped her career, and the importance of creating space for grief. Episode coming this Thursday at https://lnkd.in/g_yS5dnf or listen on your favorite podcast platform. *This post discusses suicide. If you need support, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at?988. ?RETHINK THE CONVERSATION? LTD

Caring for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. That’s why respite care is such an important option. It offers family caregivers the chance to take a step back, whether it’s to catch their breath, attend to their own health, or even attend a family wedding. Respite care provides a short break, knowing your loved one is in good hands for up to 5 days in a hospice house or a designated healthcare unit. If you’re a caregiver, don’t miss this episode, where we explore the importance of respite care and the difference it can make. The full episode is now live! Watch at https://watch.comfortingclosure/hospice101 or listen on your favorite podcast platform.?

Hospice may not always be physically present 24/7 at your bedside but knowing that a nurse is just a phone call away at any time—day or night—can make all the difference. For so many caregivers, the ability to reach out when something feels off or worrying in the middle of the night brings comfort and relief. In our latest episode, we talk about the importance of having access to 24/7 support through hospice and how it can change the caregiver's experience. The episode is now live—watch at https://watch.comfortingclosure/hospice101 or listen on your favorite podcast platform. Angela Novas