Facing the Unfathomable – Grief, Suicide, and Living Fully After Loss

Ever wondered what it’s like to face death – not your own, but the sudden loss of a child to suicide? In this raw and moving chat, I sit down with Christine Pedley, a grief counsellor, death doula, and author who turned unimaginable pain into purpose. If you’ve ever felt lost in the silence around death and dying, this episode reminds you that talking about it isn’t just okay – it’s essential.Christine’s story began long before her son Jono’s death at 31. With over two decades in palliative care, she’s helped families navigate end-of-life moments and create ceremonies that honour both life and love. But nothing prepared her for the shock and chaos of suicide grief. We talk about her healing journey — finding strength in nature, journaling ‘glimmers’ of hope, and challenging myths about suicide and the language we use.Her book, Facing the Unfathomable: Surviving Your Child’s Suicide, shares her story and offers guidance to those supporting others through loss. Christine also opens up about death literacy — why we must talk about dying before it reaches us. From raw family conversations to honouring Jono with a memorial seat overlooking the city, she shows that grief isn’t linear; it’s beginning, middle, and forever.What you’ll hear: • From palliative care to grieving mum • Myths and language around suicide • ‘Glimmer journaling’ and nature’s role in healing • The “Amazing Mums” community • How to support grief without fixing itCheck out Christine’s book: Facing the Unfathomable: Surviving your son's suicideRemember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/