E45 An Unexpected Conversation: Grief, Suicide, and Doing Hard Things - A New Year Reflection with Pace Strickland

Happy New Year, and welcome to the first episode of 2026 on the Quantum Mental Health Podcast.This episode didn’t go the way it was planned—and that feels important to name.I sat down with my podcast editor, Pace Strickland, intending to record a simple Q&A-style conversation. A few thoughtful questions. A light, reflective start to the year.Instead, we found ourselves in a very different—and very human—place.What unfolded was an unexpected conversation about grief, suicide, love, and what it actually takes to keep showing up to life when things have been unbearably hard. Pace shares about the loss of her brother to suicide, and together we explore how people carry grief, how they survive it, and how they find the courage to do hard things even when the nervous system wants to shut down.There are no graphic details in this episode, but suicide and loss are discussed.Please listen with gentle ears, and take care of yourself as you tune in.As we step into a new year, this conversation reflects the direction I’m feeling called toward in 2026—not just the expected mental health conversations, but the deeper, quieter, more honest ones. Conversations with people who are living consciously, intentionally, and truthfully—even when the path hasn’t been easy.This episode is about:​ Grief that doesn’t follow a timeline​ The invisible weight people carry​ Doing hard things when you don’t feel “strong”​ Staying present instead of numbing or bypassing pain​ Allowing real conversations to unfold without forcing an agendaIf you’ve ever loved someone who struggled…If you’ve ever had to keep going while your heart was broken…If you’re entering this year with tenderness rather than resolutions…You’re not alone here.Thank you for being part of this space, and for trusting these conversations—especially the unexpected ones.Connect with Dr. KelliIf this conversation resonated with you, you can explore more trauma-informed, body-based perspectives on anxiety, grief, and nervous system healing at:→ Website: anxiety-recovery.com→ Instagram: @dr_kelliCome as you are. Take what’s useful. Leave the rest.This podcast is for educational and reflective purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized mental health care.If this episode brings up distress, please consider reaching out to a trusted person or a qualified mental health professional.If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, contact your local emergency services or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S. & Canada: 988).