Healing Journey: Finding Support after Suicide and Trauma (with Paula)

Summary

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Sexual Abuse

If you want someone to talk to, you can always call or text 988 

This week, Lucie and Chris get personal and dive into the complexity of discussing suicide, personal experiences with loss, and the importance of open dialogue around mental health. They interview Paula Correia, who shares her story of grief and healing, emphasizing the need for support systems and aftercare for those affected by suicide. She talks about her journey of navigating trauma, healing, and the importance of forgiveness and faith in recovery. They discuss the challenges of operating in survival mode, the impact of shame, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental health. Paula emphasizes the significance of self-compassion and patience in the healing process, while also addressing the judgment and misunderstanding often faced by those dealing with mental health issues.

 

Big Takeaways

• You never know what anyone's going through.
• Normalizing the conversation around suicide is crucial.
• Support systems are essential for healing.
• Cultural perspectives can impact how we grieve.
• Aftercare is vital for those who have attempted suicide.
• Therapy can be uncomfortable but is necessary for healing.
• Personal stories can help others feel less alone.
• Healing is a non-linear journey.
• Forgiveness is often hardest with ourselves.
• Listening matters.

Paula Correia, a trainer with Samaritans, brings a deeply personal and transformative perspective to her work in suicide prevention. A survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, and a suicide attempt as a teenager, Paula has turned her lived experiences into a source of strength and advocacy, dedicating over 15 years of her career to supporting marginalized communities through community health programs. As a Samaritans trainer, she plays a vital role in bridging gaps in mental health care by connecting lifesaving resources to high-risk groups, including youth, suicide attempt survivors, and Boston’s Cabo Verdean community. In addition to her work with Samaritans, Paula is the founder and CEO of the Grateful Kriola (GK) LLC, which is centered around wellness education, consulting, and healing from traumatic events. Driven by her passion for helping others, Paula ensures that individuals navigating mental health crises have access to the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.  

Connect with Paula:

You can connect with her by visiting https://www.samaritanshope.org

For more Information about the Breakfast for Hope Event on April 30, 2025, visit: https://www.breakfastforhope.org