At just 20 years old, Lou Hibbert’s world changed forever. Her dad Barry, a man who had gone from growing up in a council estate to becoming the CEO of a major company, took his own life.

In this powerful conversation, Lou opens up about losing a parent to suicide, navigating bereavement, and how therapy and counselling helped her rebuild self-worth, self-love, and self-compassion.

This Movember, as we focus on men’s mental health and suicide prevention, Lou’s story is a reminder that behind every strong man, there can be silent struggles - and behind every loss, someone learning how to live again.

This week’s episode is sponsored by Damien Long Personal Training based in Glanmire, Cork. Damien helps people get stronger, fitter, and happier with a fun, balanced approach to training. He also featured on podcast earlier this year, sharing his own journey of grief, healing, and mental health awareness after the loss of his daughter Shauna. You can check him out @damienlongpersonaltraining. 

Timestamps

00:00:00 — Introduction and how Lou and Brenda first met

00:01:30 — Growing up in Cookham Dean and school experiences

00:03:35 — Lou’s dad’s childhood, trauma and drive for success

00:06:26 — The first business collapse and early signs of strain

00:09:19 — 2022: escalating stress and emotional decline

00:12:33 — Subtle changes at home and early warning signs

00:16:01 — The day Lou was called out of work

00:17:58 — The moment she learned her dad had died

00:21:02 — Understanding “the surge” before suicide

00:38:15 — Starting therapy and confronting anger

00:46:21 — Life before and after grief: “living two lives”

00:49:24 — Hope, healing and Lou’s final reflections

Connect With Me:

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: Thecomebackwithbrenda@gmail.com

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