Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening.
Four years ago, Kim Nolan lost the love of her life, Thomas, to suicide. In an instant, her world was shattered. She was left to raise their children, Kaidyn and Aria, and faced the unbearable task of telling them their dad was gone - before having to break the same devastating news to Thomas’s mother, his brothers, and his sister.
As if that loss wasn’t enough, Kim was struck by another devastating tragedy when her mam died suddenly in her sleep at just 58. She describes the shock of telling her grandparents their daughter was gone and how it forced her to question everything she thought she knew about grief.
And yet, through all this pain, Kim has found a way to keep living. She speaks about the darkest moments, the panic attacks, the silence of grief - and how she has fought her way back to gratitude, holding on to the ten years of love she shared with Thomas.
This is a story of heartbreak, survival, and resilience.
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00:00 – Introduction to Kim’s story and sudden loss
03:15 – The day everything changed: receiving the devastating call
07:40 – First panic attack experience during the funeral
12:25 – Explaining death to young children in an honest way
18:50 – Facing guilt and the “what ifs” after suicide
24:30 – Realising there were no clear signs beforehand
30:05 – Coping with grief during COVID restrictions
36:20 – Choosing resilience: deciding to keep living fully
42:10 – The shift in mindset: stopping people-pleasing
48:35 – Looking ahead: parenting, career change, and life after loss
Samaritans Ireland – Free, confidential support, 24/7
📞 116 123
Pieta House – Suicide and self-harm crisis support
📞 1800 247 247
📱 Text HELP to 51444
Aware – Support for depression, anxiety, and mood-related issues
📞 1800 80 48 48
Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits
Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com
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