Suicide Grief, PTSD, Sexual Trauma and Finding Hope Again with Erika Shershun - Episode 85

WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS:

Anyone struggling with suicide grief, PTSD, sexual trauma, survivor shame, unresolved loss, complex grief, childhood trauma, ambiguous grief, or the long-term effects of living in survival mode.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET:

A powerful conversation about trauma recovery, grief healing, nervous system regulation, suicide loss, resilience, boundaries, and how healing remains possible even after decades of pain and silence.

DESCRIPTION:

Erika Shershun joins Nick Gaylord for a deeply personal conversation about grief, trauma, suicide loss, healing, and resilience. Erika shares the story of losing her father to suicide at age fifteen, the devastating impact of growing up without emotional support, and how unresolved grief shaped much of her life. She also discusses surviving multiple sexual assaults, discovering how trauma remained stored in her body for decades, and the moment she realized survival mode had been controlling her life. Together, Nick and Erika explore PTSD, ambiguous grief, nervous system dysregulation, boundaries, trauma-informed care, and the realities of healing after profound loss. Erika reflects on the later suicide of her brother, the lessons she learned through her own recovery, and the work she now does helping survivors reclaim their lives. This episode offers hope, practical insight, and an honest look at what healing truly requires. If you've ever felt trapped by grief, trauma, shame, or silence, this conversation will remind you that healing is possible and that you are not alone

THIS EPISODE ANSWERS:

•  How does suicide loss affect a child for the rest of their life? 
•  Can trauma stay trapped in the body for decades? 
•  What happens when grief and trauma go unprocessed? 
•  Why do survivors often remain stuck in survival mode? 
•  Is it ever too late to heal from trauma and grief? 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  Trauma can remain stored in the body long after the original event has passed. 
•  Healing does not erase painful memories, but it can remove their power to control daily life. 
•  Unexpressed grief often resurfaces physically, emotionally, and psychologically. 
•  Recovery is rarely linear, but meaningful progress is always possible. 
•  Boundaries, self-awareness, and trauma-informed support are critical parts of healing.