Can it really happen to ANY family?? Unfortunately, many of us have discovered that answer. My guest in this episode knows this all too well herself.
Today I have a conversation with Janice "JJ" Joiner. JJ, aka "the catcher of babies" (certified nurse midwife) spent her career as a women’s healthcare provider, and is also a wife, mom, and “Honey” to her grandbabies! She says she now takes life "lone day at a time" since the loss of her beautiful son, Eric to mental illness that led to his suicide. JJ now hopes to work to help support others in this tragic space by normalizing the seeking of mental wellness just like we seek health for physical health. She shares her story openly with this goal at the forefront.
"...Born in Charleston WV, she grew up traveling throughout Europe. When JJ was only 11 she read "Cherry Ames- Student Nurse" and wanted to be a nurse from that point on! She started as a Labor & Delivery and after 14 years moved on to Nursing and Midwifery. She feels like she spent much of her career participating in and promoting the healthcare of women - her dream profession and along the way she and her (college sweetheart) husband built their own dream family - Katie, Eric, and JaneyGrace. By all accounts, her kids were easy-going and successful in everything they endeavored to do....yet, despite daily prayers for their happiness and safety in this big world, there came a day that she realized despite a life of serving people, delivering babies, volunteering and donating to charities...I was no better than anyone else in this world and my luck ran out and sadly it ran out on my boy..." - paraphrased straight from JJ
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My website "The Leftover Pieces; Rebuilding You" is LIVE and that means my different SUPPORT SPACE Options are available and much more will be coming in 2022
Go DIRECTLY to my SUPPORT page here where yo9u will find ALL of the ways to connect and find support
My first two books (tools I am creating for you!) in the "Facing Life After Suicide" series are available on Amazon
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts PLEASE reach out:
The National Suicide Lifeline is there for you
IN a crisis you can also TEXT--->
TEXT the word "HOME" to 741741 in the USA
in Canada TEXT 686868
in the UK TEXT 85258
And Grievers, I am always here. You can find me at The Leftover Pieces