This very special episode of Alison Answers - Mission Awake is one of both vulnerability and incredible strength. Kayla Stoecklein lost her husband, Andrew—pastor of Inland Hills Church in Chino, California—to suicide. Being that Alison lost her husband in the same tragic way, Kayla and Alison feel compelled to awaken the world to the hidden shame that comes along with suicide. The aftermath of enduring such a painful and heart-wrenching loss can be too much to bear, but through these immense losses, there are lessons and messages that need to be shared with the world.
In the wake of Kayla’s husband’s death, she embarked on a brave journey to better understand his harrowing battle with mental illness and, ultimately, to overcome the stigma of suicide. She knew she needed to become informed on the painful grip that mental illness can have on someone, and now she shares her story with the world through speaking events and her 2 amazing books, Fear Gone Wild, and Rebuilding Beautiful. Kayla and Alison’s grief and pain have been transformative in a way that they want everyone to know how to support someone in the depths of pain, and also those that are enduring grief.
Key highlights:
Episode resources:
Connect with Alison:
⚠️ Crisis Resources:
Lager Counseling Services
Call: 516-221-2123
Text: (914) 363-0381
Wantagh: 3408 Park Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
Call or text 988 | Visit 988lifeline.org
