At just 20 years old, Lou Hibbert’s world changed forever. Her dad Barry, a man who had gone from growing up in a council estate to becoming the CEO of a major company, took his own life.
In this powerful conversation, Lou opens up about losing a parent to suicide, navigating bereavement, and how therapy and counselling helped her rebuild self-worth, self-love, and self-compassion.
This Movember, as we focus on men’s mental health and suicide prevention, Lou’s story is a reminder that behind every strong man, there can be silent struggles - and behind every loss, someone learning how to live again.
This week’s episode is sponsored by Damien Long Personal Training based in Glanmire, Cork. Damien helps people get stronger, fitter, and happier with a fun, balanced approach to training. He also featured on podcast earlier this year, sharing his own journey of grief, healing, and mental health awareness after the loss of his daughter Shauna. You can check him out @damienlongpersonaltraining.
00:00:00 — Introduction and how Lou and Brenda first met
00:01:30 — Growing up in Cookham Dean and school experiences
00:03:35 — Lou’s dad’s childhood, trauma and drive for success
00:06:26 — The first business collapse and early signs of strain
00:09:19 — 2022: escalating stress and emotional decline
00:12:33 — Subtle changes at home and early warning signs
00:16:01 — The day Lou was called out of work
00:17:58 — The moment she learned her dad had died
00:21:02 — Understanding “the surge” before suicide
00:38:15 — Starting therapy and confronting anger
00:46:21 — Life before and after grief: “living two lives”
00:49:24 — Hope, healing and Lou’s final reflections
Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits
Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com
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