In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino interviews Don Ryan, a social worker, speaker, and author of ‘The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One.’
Ryan shares his personal experiences of losing three family members to suicide, including his father, cousin, and brother, and how these tragedies have shaped his life and career. He discusses the impact of guilt, shame, and familial secrecy on his mental health, and the importance of open communication and support.
Ryan also explores the societal stigmas around mental health and suicide, especially among men, and offers insights into proactive parenting and emotional resilience.
DON RYAN
Social worker
Speaker
Author
Former therapist in violence reduction and suicide prevention
Father of 2
“I did a really poor job of shoving all those feelings down and trying to move on with life without addressing them. If I had talked to friends and family that I trusted and opened up, if I had gone to a therapist 25 years ago, I would be in a much different place.
I also think professionally. We have the same obligation to know that not one person can do this, that this has to be a team effort by groups of people who collaborate.”