Christa Scalies is interviewed by Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley during this special episode of The Open to Hope Radio show. Scalies lost two friends to suicide, which is the foundation for her book Suicide Sucks, available to download for free. In her book, Scalies outlines ten steps to help with holistic recovery after losing a loved one to suicide, including mental, spiritual and physical nurturing. Scalies is adamant that learning to laugh once again is paramount, but that’s an occurrence that can make survivors feel guilty. She established the website GiggleOn to help others recover from their grief.

She uses humor and laughter to transcend guilt and “what if’s.” Sadly, Scalies notes that the man who encouraged her to start the site, and gave her the name, later killed himself—following in the footsteps of Scalies other friend who took his own life. Gloria asks Scalies for key advice on helping to cope with losing someone to suicide, and Scalies says “There has been no death that has ripped my heart out…like a death by suicide,” she says.

Doing the Best You Can

It’s difficult to accept that you’ve done everything you can and say “this is not my fault,” but the person who committed suicide made their own choice. It’s critical to separate yourself from any feelings of guilt, she says. “Don’t live in the past with that pain,” instead start looking forward to joy and hope. “It’s horrible, and I’m so sorry,” she says, but you have to find the ability to move forward.

She suggests connecting yourself to nature, which can help battle negative energies. She’s also a big supporter of working out if possible. Grief can kill, making people physically ill—but sometimes light exercise can help stave off these risks. Download Scalies book for more tips and to get on a better track to healing.

 

Christa Scalies

Christa Scalies’ mission is to promote the use of laughter as a tool to help others improve their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. Her greatest joy lies in encouraging people to overcome adversity, stress, and grief. Christa’s personal mantra of resilience and playfulness, “Don’t Give Up, Giggle On®”, was born in part from personal loss of a friend to suicide and her own struggles with depression. As Chief Laughter Officer and Founder of Giggle On®, she works as fitness instructor & educator, keynote & motivational speaker and facilitator of workshops and seminars. Christa has a talent for helping people maximize teamwork, productivity and learning. She boosts the energy of groups by artfully mixing her dynamic motivational speaking skills with playful and unconditional-laughter centered fitness. She is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (CLYL) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). She is currently enrolled in Grief Recovery Method Certification training scheduled for August 2013 and Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher training in November 2013. Christa also works as an advocate in the field of mental health, suicide prevention and suicide survivor support. She recently completed ASIST suicide prevention training through the Mental Health Association of Delaware. Her e-book, “Suicide Sucks: Move through the Pain of Suicide Loss and Learn to Laugh Again” is available now for free. Get your copy now. Christa is an established businesswoman and entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Dahlink Financial Corporation, a Wilmington-based financial company. She is also a philanthropist who has helped raise thousands of dollars for local charities and donated her own time and resources to a variety of non-profits in the local and national arena. Christa is a proud Philadelphia-area native, graduate of Temple University, and she currently resides in Wilmington, Delaware with her beloved boxer dog, Rosie.

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