Finding Purpose After Hitting Rock Bottom | Mental Health, Resilience & Reinvention with Gretchen Schoser

What this episode covers

<p>In this raw and uplifting episode of <em>The</em> <em>Mindful Living with Sana</em>, we are joined by Gretchen Schoser, suicide attempt survivor, mental health advocate, and co-host of an award-winning podcast. Gretchen shares her journey from the depths of despair in her late 50s to finding her purpose and launching a mission-driven business in her 60s. We explore how laughter, honest conversations, and setting boundaries became her tools for healing and why sharing our stories unlocks others from their darkest prisons. If you've ever faced overwhelming struggles or know someone who has, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and the reassurance that you're never truly alone.</p><p><strong>About the Guest:</strong><br />Gretchen Schoser is a mental health advocate, suicide attempt survivor, and co-host of the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. After hitting rock bottom at 59, she transformed her life, combining her tech background with her passion for mental health to create Schoser Solutions. Gretchen’s mission is to make the world a little less “shitty” by encouraging open conversations around mental health, resilience, and hope.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>From Breakdown to Breakthrough:</strong> Gretchen’s journey through job loss, personal loss, and deep depression, leading to a transformative call to the 988 crisis lifeline.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Power of Storytelling:</strong> Sharing her story publicly became a catalyst for healing both herself and others.</p></li><li><p><strong>Boundaries Save Lives:</strong> Learning to set boundaries and prioritize mental well-being was key to Gretchen’s sustained recovery.</p></li><li><p><strong>Laughter as Medicine:</strong> Why finding joy—even in raccoon videos—can be a lifeline in difficult times.</p></li><li><p><strong>Reinvention at Any Age:</strong> Launching a business and winning awards for her podcast in her 60s proves it’s never too late to find your purpose.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Connect with Gretchen:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Website: <a href="https://goesoninourheads.net/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://goesoninourheads.net/</a></p></li><li><p>Business: https://schosersolutions.com/</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline (US)</strong>: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.</p><p><strong>You can also chat online - </strong><a href="https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/</a></p><p><strong>If you are outside of the United States and You are in Crisis, please go to - </strong><a href="https://findahelpline.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://findahelpline.com/</a></p></li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Want to be a guest on <em>The</em> <em>Mindful Living</em>? DM on PodMatch:<br /></p><p><em>DM Me Here:</em> <a href="https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik</a><br /><em>Subscribe To Newsletter:</em> <a href="https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/" tar