The Mental Health Crisis We Aren’t Prepared For: A Mom’s Story of Losing Her Daughter

Content Note:This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide loss. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a trusted person, local resources, or a crisis hotline in your area.This episode is one of the most heartfelt and important conversations to date. Angelina sits down with Carla Williams, who courageously shares the story of losing her daughter, Kelsey, to suicide on January 3rd, 2025. Through grief, faith, community, and honesty, Carla is determined to break the silence around suicide loss and mental health struggles.Together, they discuss stigma, misdiagnosis, difficulty accessing treatment, the emotional reality of navigating the mental health system, and the overwhelming lack of support for families — even when they are desperately seeking help. Carla also paints a beautiful picture of who Kelsey was: generous, creative, hilarious, caring, and full of life. Key Topics CoveredCarla’s experience losing her daughter and navigating unimaginable griefThe stigma and silence surrounding suicide loss — and why that must changeWhat mental health struggles looked like behind the scenesThe long waitlists, misdiagnoses, and medical blind spots families encounterWhy simply checking in on someone grieving is so meaningfulHow Kelsey’s creativity, humor, kindness, and generosity live on in memoryThe Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk & Carla’s 40-person team honoring KelseyFinding signs, spiritual comfort, and moments where Carla still feels her daughter’s presenceWhy “It’s okay not to be okay” is the message she wants the world to hearHow grief connects survivors and builds unexpected communityAbout Kelsey — In Carla’s WordsCarla describes Kelsey as:Quiet but deeply thoughtfulA hard worker from age 16 onwardGenerous to a fault (“She’d give you $5.25 if you only needed $5”)Talented in drawing and tattoo-style artSomeone who never met a stranger and made everyone smileHer story brings humanity and dignity to the conversation around mental health and suicide. Who This Episode HelpsThis episode is for:Suicide loss survivorsParents of children with mental health strugglesAnyone navigating depression, bipolar disorder, or emotional imbalancePeople frustrated with the gaps in the mental health systemIndividuals searching for hope, faith, and healingFriends wanting to support someone grievingConnect with Carla WilliamsSupport her journey, honor Kelsey’s memory, and connect with her creativity:Instagram – Personal:https://www.instagram.com/tiggerbmeInstagram – Art / Creations:https://www.instagram.com/cardcreations_by_cmarieFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/carla.williams.90834YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CarlaWilliams-2021Resources Mentioned:988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) — Out of the Darkness Community WalksEpisode Takeaway“It’s okay not to be okay.”No one should grieve in silence. No one should struggle alone.Hope comes from conversation, compassion, and community.Connect with Angelina Rivera🔗 Connect with Angelina Rivera🌐 Website: angelinarivera.com📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: angelinarivera.com/links📲 Instagram: @refineandshinepodcast | @the.angelina.rivera🎧 YouTube: Refine and Shine Podcast | Angelina Rivera💼 LinkedIn: Angelina Rivera | Refine and Shine Podcast🧘‍♀️ Sukha App – 7-Day Free Trial (no card required): TheSukha.co/?ref=angelina🛍️ Work With Me — Courses & Coaching: https://angelinarivera.com/coaching-services#SuicideLossAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheSilence #RefineAndShinePodcast #MentalHealth #MentalWellness #Depression #MentalHealthCrisis #YouAreNotAlone #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay #988Lifeline #SuicidePrevention #GriefJourney #EndTheStigma If this episode inspired you, please like, subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! ⭐Your feedback helps the Refine & Shine Podcast reach more amazing listeners like you.Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that healing and transformation are possible at any age. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.