The Grief and Trauma of Losing a Father to Suicide with Hayley Lohmeyer

Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton

Hayley Lohmeyer is a dedicated advocate for at-risk youth and families, driven by her personal experience of her father's suicide at the age of twelve. Despite the immense challenges of her early life, Hayley transformed her pain into a mission of hope, working with Youth With A Mission to support vulnerable children around the globe. Her efforts include helping street children, orphans, and trafficking survivors, and creating after-school programs that offer safe, supportive environments. In her late teens, Hayley’s perspective was further broadened through Christian missions in Nepal, which reshaped her understanding of joy and resilience despite adversity.

In this episode, Hayley delves into the impacts of her father's suicide, the behavioral changes that preceded it, and the overwhelming grief that followed. She highlights the vital importance of supportive communities and counseling in overcoming trauma and focuses on creating a hopeful future. Hayley also shares her family's current efforts, including her husband Josh's work with indigenous communities on issues like suicide and addiction. The episode underscores the power of moving beyond a victim mentality, the significance of loving support, and the importance of living purposefully and compassionately.

Hayley & Josh's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyNxI52EE5LZJ46X96dFGWg

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Thank you for listening to Humans of HOPE: Inspiring Stories with Kerrie Atherton.

Kerrie Atherton is an inspiring speaker and supporter of her community. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/.

Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/.

If you'd like to donate to the Kintsugi Heroes mission, head to https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/donate.

With thanks to:

Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt

Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss ([e-mail])

General Support: Ian Westmoreland (https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au)

Mentioned in this episode:

This episode was made possible by Kintsugi Heroes. If you'd like to donate to the Kintsugi Heroes mission, please head to https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/.