TRIGGER WARNING— this episode contains explicit talk about suicide and methodology.
Listen as Joanne shares her heart-wrenching story of losing her oldest son, Jacob, to suicide in September 2022. Joanne shares that Jacob was a happy, easy child, and that she started noticing changes in his junior year in high school during Covid. Jacob stopped playing baseball, which he had always loved, and became more isolated in his senior year. He had an online relationship but did not want to socialize with others. When he graduated from high school, Joanne shares that Jacob wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life.
After sharing that he had thought seriously about suicide, Jacob agreed to go to counseling. However, when his online girlfriend broke up with him, he was devastated. Jacob died by suicide on September 25, 2022. Joanne was wracked with grief when Jacob’s father died by suicide less than a month after Jacob. Joanne vulnerably and honestly shares the depth of pain and grief she experienced, leading to her own suicide attempt and subsequent hospitalization.
What is The Just A Mom Podcast?
My name is Susie. I have three children, the youngest of whom struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. I never thought this could happen to me, and I missed the signs. Being a parent is really hard, and I'm here to help! I'm talking to parents and experts to help you with the issues your kids may face. I want you to know that you are not alone and there is hope.