The Mental Health Crisis We Aren’t Prepared For: A Mom’s Story of Losing Her Daughter
In this powerful episode, Angelina Rivera welcomes Carla Williams — a mother, suicide loss survivor, and mental health advocate — for a powerful and deeply emotional conversation. On January 3rd, 2025, Carla lost her daughter, Kelcie, to suicide — a moment that changed her life forever. Carla bravely shares her story, the truth about mental health struggles, the gaps in the mental health system, and the stigma families face after suicide loss. She also honors Kelcie’s memory by sharing who she was: kind, artistic, funny, generous, and loved by many. This conversation brings comfort, awareness, faith, and hope to anyone navigating grief, mental illness, or the loss of a loved one. You are not alone — and it’s okay not to be okay.
Refine and Shine with Angelina Rivera · Carla Williams, Angelina Rivera
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (pscrb.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Content Note:
This episode includes discussion of suicide and suicide loss. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to a trusted person, local resources, or a crisis hotline in your area.
This episode is one of the most heartfelt and important conversations to date. Angelina sits down with Carla Williams, who courageously shares the story of losing her daughter, Kelcie, to suicide on January 3rd, 2025. Through grief, faith, community, and honesty, Carla is determined to break the silence around suicide loss and mental health struggles.
Together, they discuss stigma, misdiagnosis, difficulty accessing treatment, the emotional reality of navigating the mental health system, and the overwhelming lack of support for families — even when they are desperately seeking help. Carla also paints a beautiful picture of who Kelcie was: generous, creative, hilarious, caring, and full of life.
Key Topics Covered
Carla’s experience losing her daughter and navigating unimaginable grief
The stigma and silence surrounding suicide loss — and why that must change
What mental health struggles looked like behind the scenes
The long waitlists, misdiagnoses, and medical blind spots families encounter
Why simply checking in on someone grieving is so meaningful
How Kelcie’s creativity, humor, kindness, and generosity live on in memory
The Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk & Carla’s 40-person team honoring Kelcie
Finding signs, spiritual comfort, and moments where Carla still feels her daughter’s presence
Why “It’s okay not to be okay” is the message she wants the world to hear
How grief connects survivors and builds unexpected community
About Kelcie — In Carla’s Words
Carla describes Kelcie as:
Quiet but deeply thoughtful
A hard worker from age 16 onward
Generous to a fault (“She’d give you $5.25 if you only needed $5”)
Talented in drawing and tattoo-style art
Someone who never met a stranger and made everyone smile
Her story brings humanity and dignity to the conversation around mental health and suicide.
Who This Episode Helps
This episode is for:
Suicide loss survivors
Parents of children with mental health struggles
Anyone navigating depression, bipolar disorder, or emotional imbalance
People frustrated with the gaps in the mental health system
Individuals searching for hope, faith, and healing
Friends wanting to support someone grieving
Connect with Carla Williams
Support her journey, honor Kelcie’s memory, and connect with her creativity:
Instagram – Personal:
https://www.instagram.com/tiggerbme
Instagram – Art / Creations:
https://www.instagram.com/cardcreations_by_cmarie
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/carla.williams.90834
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@CarlaWilliams-2021
Resources Mentioned:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) — Out of the Darkness Community Walks
Episode Takeaway
“It’s okay not to be okay.”
No one should grieve in silence. No one should struggle alone.
Hope comes from conversation, compassion, and community.
Connect with Angelina Rivera
🔗 Connect with Angelina Rivera
🌐 Website: angelinarivera.com
📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: angelinarivera.com/links
📲 Instagram: @refineandshinepodcast | @the.angelina.rivera
🎧 YouTube: Refine and Shine Podcast | Angelina Rivera
💼 LinkedIn: Angelina Rivera | Refine and Shine Podcast
🧘♀️ Sukha App – 7-Day Free Trial (no card required): TheSukha.co/?ref=angelina
🛍️ Work With Me — Courses & Coaching: https://angelinarivera.com/coaching-services
#SuicideLossAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheSilence #RefineAndShinePodcast #MentalHealth #MentalWellness #Depression #MentalHealthCrisis #YouAreNotAlone #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay #988Lifeline #SuicidePrevention #GriefJourney #EndTheStigma
If this episode inspired you, please like, subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! ⭐
Your feedback helps the Refine & Shine Podcast reach more amazing listeners like you.
Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that healing and transformation are possible at any age.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.