In this heartfelt episode of Message in the Middle, I’m joined by Lisa Sugarman — an author, nationally syndicated columnist, mental health advocate, and founder of The HelpHUB. Lisa has survived the unimaginable, losing three loved ones to suicide, and she’s turned that deeply personal pain into a powerful mission: to make mental health support more accessible, human, and real.

Together, we dive into the raw truths of grief, suicide loss, and the emotional journey that follows. Lisa shares how her experiences led her to create The HelpHUB, what she’s learned from connecting with other survivors, and the one major shift she believes we need in how we talk about mental health.

If you’ve ever felt isolated in your mental health struggles — or you’re supporting someone who is — this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.
We talk about:

• Navigating anger, guilt, and unanswered questions after suicide loss
• Why accessible mental health resources like The HelpHUB are crucial
• How to better support loved ones who may be struggling silently
• The healing power of storytelling and connection

This episode is real, honest, and filled with hope. Lisa’s story and advocacy work are a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a way forward — and sometimes, the road to healing becomes the road to helping others.

Connect with Lisa: https://linktr.ee/thelisasugarman

Connect with Marianne:

• Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
• Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne

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