The Comeback with… Kim Nolan

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Four years ago, Kim Nolan lost the love of her life, Thomas, to suicide. In an instant, her world was shattered. She was left to raise their children, Kaidyn and Aria, and faced the unbearable task of telling them their dad was gone - before having to break the same devastating news to Thomas’s mother, his brothers, and his sister. As if that loss wasn’t enough, Kim was struck by another devastating tragedy when her mam died suddenly in her sleep at just 58. She describes the shock of telling her grandparents their daughter was gone and how it forced her to question everything she thought she knew about grief. And yet, through all this pain, Kim has found a way to keep living. She speaks about the darkest moments, the panic attacks, the silence of grief - and how she has fought her way back to gratitude, holding on to the ten years of love she shared with Thomas. This is a story of heartbreak, survival, and resilience. ✨ Thank you to our sponsor, Brow Bar Boutiques - your ultimate walk-in brow bars. Step in and experience the transformation for yourself, because when it comes to gorgeous brows, the proof is in the plucking! Find them on Instagram at @browbarboutiques. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Kim’s story and sudden loss 03:15 – The day everything changed: receiving the devastating call 07:40 – First panic attack experience during the funeral 12:25 – Explaining death to young children in an honest way 18:50 – Facing guilt and the “what ifs” after suicide 24:30 – Realising there were no clear signs beforehand 30:05 – Coping with grief during COVID restrictions 36:20 – Choosing resilience: deciding to keep living fully 42:10 – The shift in mindset: stopping people-pleasing 48:35 – Looking ahead: parenting, career change, and life after loss Need Support? Helplines & Resources Samaritans Ireland – Free, confidential support, 24/7 📞 116 123 🌐 www.samaritans.ie Pieta House – Suicide and self-harm crisis support 📞 1800 247 247 📱 Text HELP to 51444 🌐 www.pieta.ie Aware – Support for depression, anxiety, and mood-related issues 📞 1800 80 48 48 🌐 www.aware.ie Connect With Me: Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits Contact: [email protected]