Holding Space: Grief, Resilience, and Mental Health in the Bleeding Disorders Community

In this moving conversation, Dr. Mosi Williams shares his lived experience with Severe Hemophilia A and the mental health journey that shaped his path as a clinical social worker and community advocate. From navigating early trauma and grief during the HIV/AIDS crisis to helping others find strength in vulnerability, Mosi brings deep wisdom to the emotional side of living with a bleeding disorder. Listeners will walk away with a renewed understanding of resilience, connection, and the importance of asking for help.

What You’ll Learn:

1. How early trauma and grief shape mental health for those with bleeding disorders
2. The emotional toll of being misunderstood or unseen as a child with hemophilia
3. Practical signs that someone may need professional mental health support
4. The power of shared experience, safe spaces, and storytelling
5. Why community connection is a vital tool for emotional wellness
6. How to normalize seeking support without stigma or shame

Episode Highlights:

1. (00:57) Mosi’s diagnosis and growing up during the HIV/Hepatitis crisis
2. (03:58) Shame, school avoidance, and the fear of being different
3. (05:01) The first therapy session—and feeling unseen
4. (06:36) Tools for daily mental wellness: connection and gratitude
5. (08:36) Grief and loss at summer camp: the impact of losing peers
6. (10:37) Creating safe spaces for conversations about depression and suicide
7. (13:06) Warning signs that professional help may be needed
8. (14:44) Final message: It's okay to ask for help

Meet the Guest:

Dr. Mosi Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the UCSF Adult Hemophilia Treatment Center. Living with Severe Hemophilia A with an inhibitor, Mosi has spent over 30 years advocating for the bleeding disorders community through summer camps, global speaking engagements, and mental health leadership. He serves on the boards of the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Northern California and the Hemophilia Council of California.

Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

1. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
2. Creating safe spaces through lived experience
3. Listening for repetition and hopelessness as signs of emotional distress
4. Building community support through mentorship and events

“We all have challenging times—and there is a path to support. Mental health needs care just like physical health. You are not alone.” - Dr. Mosi Williams

Resource Links:

The Coalition for Hemophilia B – https://www.hemob.org/events

Balancing Life's Issues – https://balancinglifesissues.com/podcast-bli/

Call the 988 Lifeline or visit https://988lifeline.org/

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.